While Joseph Brown found himself on a bus leaving Missouri and heading toward Southern Arizona, Carol Smith was still in high school. Little did they both know that when the two would cross paths at a missionary school fate would immediately take hold on them instantly.
“I walked into the cafeteria and immediately saw Joe,” Carol blushed as she recalls that day. “He was an upper classman, and I told my friend that I just knew he had to be married, and I would never have a chance with him.”
Boy! Was she wrong because she had caught his eye just as quickly.
“As soon as I could get a chaperone,” Joe stated. “We set off on our first date, and I will never forget how wonderful that day was.
The two had their first date overlooking the lovely Arizona landscape, and even have a picture from that day as a keepsake.
The couple on their first date.
“We have always had a supernatural bond,” Carol says with a smile. “Our love for Jesus has always carried us through, but the bond our hearts share is so strong and it continues to grow with each day.”
Visiting with the Browns in their perfectly decorated and charming home in Cherokee Villlage is nothing short of amazing, and to hear of all of the places they have traveled and lives they have led. From adoption, to creating a toy line modeled closely to the Pound Puppies to meeting the creator of “North to Alaska”, the Browns believe in the power of prayer.
“I told myself I wanted to meet the creator of “North to Alaska”, a popular travel board game that was created by Herbert Law an Alaskan Bush Pilot”, Carolyn explained. “So, I prayed about it.”
Not long after she prayed for this, a chance encounter landed Law and evening or two with the Browns, and after a long talk with them, Law realized that being on the road and traveling was not for him anymore, he found Jesus and went home that night to his family.
Carol has had many moments in her life where prayer played a major role, and she states she will continue to pray for what she feels is right.
As for Joe, he’s been busy over the last few years with writing and talking to just about anyone about the grand love he shares for his wife. He’s an avid storyteller, and since he was a young boy has had a fascination with bells.
“Most people think of a bell as a notification or a warning,” he explained. “But a bell tolls, and since I was young it was something I have always been a fan of. My grandfather would toll the bell if it was time to eat dinner or to get our attention.”
A few years ago, Joe had the opportunity to purchase a bell from a man who had one in the back of his truck.
“He told me he was going to give it to his daughter, but she had until 6 p.m. the next day to let him know if she wanted it,” Joe stated. “Well, he called me up the next day and told me it was mine and it’s been a fixture in our lives ever since”
Any opportunity he can take, Joe likes to toll the bell because it “gets people’s attention” and he likes “to see their reaction”.
Carol explained that he rang the bell for five minutes on New Year’s Day.
“Joe wanted the bell because of it’s history, but he actually gave it meaning,” Carol stated.
The Browns will celebrate 64 years of marriage on Feburary 28, and then the bell will go on its last pilgrimage to Missouri.
“Joe is a romantic at heart, and he married a realist,” Carol stated. “He’s going to take the bell to my families farm where it can continue to call people in for lunches, church and fellowship.”
As I sat in their lovely home sipping on peach tea, they gave me faith that love can truly last a lifetime, and is some cases, multiple lifetimes.
I asked one last question, How long will the bell toll on their anniversary?
“Forever”, Joe stated. 
Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her two daughters, Grace and Stella.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473, karinhuffman78@gmail.com or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.