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| Eternal Love |
Celebrate the timeless love of Horace and Esther Pepper—a heartwarming journey of faith, devotion, and lasting commitment. Their story proves that true love endures all things. Read the full story below »
On a beautiful autumn day in Benton, Arkansas, Lois Pepper, the eldest of the Pepper family, stood witness as her parents' coffins were gently lowered into their final resting places. Horace, her father, had succumbed to a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, and Esther, her mother, passed away the following day due to a failing heart. It was as though Esther's heart couldn't bear the loss of her beloved husband. Their sixty-five-year journey together ended just as beautifully as it had begun.
The enduring love story of Horace and Esther Pepper was a true testament to the Pepper family's enduring legacy. Their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were well acquainted with the origins of this love story. Horace, a World War II Army pilot, and a few of his fellow servicemen had stopped by the USO dance that evening, hoping for a few hours of music and distraction before heading back to base. The band had just begun playing Glenn Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade” when he saw her — a young woman in a soft blue dress, swaying gracefully with another soldier under the golden glow of hanging paper lanterns.
Her blonde hair shimmered in the dim light, pinned back in gentle waves, and a lilac corsage adorned her wrist. There was a calm elegance in the way she moved, completely at ease, yet somehow untouchable. Horace leaned against the wall, momentarily forgetting the noise of the crowded hall, the war outside, even the friends beside him. When Esther turned, their eyes met — and for a moment, the music seemed to soften around them.
As the song continued, he crossed the room. Esther met him halfway, and they fell into step together, like old dance partners finding each other again. Her gloved hand in his felt steady and warm. They danced and talked through the rest of the night, laughter mixing with the brass of the band. Technically, she wasn’t supposed to spend so long with just one soldier — but Esther didn’t care. There was something in Horace’s eyes that felt familiar, safe. She knew, somehow, that he was the one.
After the dance, Horace gave her his contact information, and to his surprise, Esther not only wrote to him regularly but also sent care packages. Her photograph became a cherished presence on his dashboard, and he even renamed his plane "Sweet Esther."
After the war, Horace and Esther married and settled in Benton. He took a job at a local aircraft manufacturing facility. Esther was a devoted stay-at-home mother. Over the years, they lovingly raised four children and weathered life's trials and tribulations together. Their love never wavered — not through war, parenthood, or the quiet decades that followed.
Now, their journey is complete.
After the funeral service, family and friends gathered at the Pepper family home. Lois, lost in her thoughts, gazed out of her childhood bedroom window as a gentle rain began to fall. But outside, the great-grandchildren continued to run and play, a testament to the enduring joy the Pepper family brought to all who knew them. Lois eventually made her way to her parents' bedroom, which remained unchanged. It was as if her parents were merely away for a moment, though Lois knew that wasn't the case.
Approaching the miniature picture shelf, Lois half-smiled and picked up a photo of her mother, serving food at the church community center. Reverend Graves, appearing in the doorway, shared his thoughts, “She was never selfish with her time.”
Lois sniffled and replied, "She always had time for everyone. I don't know how she did it. This house was a sanctuary for those in need, whether it was food, child care, or a helping hand. Everyone came to the Peppers."
Reverend Graves gently added, “God gave her a good heart.”
Lois, her emotions heavy, sighed, “Then it gave out.”
Reverend Graves consoled her, “It was her time. God knows what was best for her. They adored each other.”
Lois shook her head and returned the photo to its place. "I know."
The reverend patted her shoulder and suggested, “Why don't you join the family downstairs? Just remember that just as God watched over them in life, He continues to do so in the afterlife."
"Go ahead, Reverend. I'll be down shortly."
"Take your time," he reassured her before leaving the room.
Lois lovingly picked up another photograph of her parents, smiling cheek to cheek, and whispered, “I know you’re both in His arms now, the same way you were in each other’s. You always said love was God's greatest gift — and you lived that. We love you.”
Lois gently kissed the photo of her parents and placed it back on the shelf. She stood there for a moment, as if silently sharing one last heartfelt moment with them. Then, with a deep breath, she made her way downstairs to join the rest of the family. The laughter of her great-grandchildren and the warmth of her loved ones awaited her, a beautiful reminder that the legacy of love her parents had left behind would continue to thrive in their hearts and memories.
