There’s something special about the roots planted at Decatur schools.
For many students, these roots extend beyond class assignments and extracurricular activities—and right into their personal lives long after graduation.
Randy (Class of '72) and Susanne (Long) Parker (Class of '73) are one of many Decatur High School graduates with such a story. This past August 2025, the pair celebrated an incredible 50 years of marriage, a journey that began when Randy strategically snagged a seat next to Susanne at a varsity basketball game. From their first "date" (in which Randy agreed to attend Susanne’s JV game only if he could drive her home) to a legendary surprise trip to the Tower of the Americas, these two have always known how to dream big together.
After raising two proud Eagle alumni, sons Stephen (’97) and Patrick (’99), and cheering each other on through Susanne's state-winning Mock Trial career and Randy’s success with Parker Properties , they’ve officially returned home to the town they love.
"We were raised here, and we raised our sons here," said Susanne. "We worked in three other cities during our careers and happily returned to Decatur for our later years. We love living in this wonderful small town while living about an hour from our children and grandchildren."
Forever Friends
Years later, Brennan (’03) and Andria (Sessions) Williams (’06), who are celebrating a decade of marriage this year, also met at DHS.
Though they were friends back during their days at Decatur High School—when Brennan was a senior and Andria a freshman—it wasn't until they both found their way back home to Decatur in 2013 that their "happily ever after" truly began. Married in March 2016, they are now busy raising the next generation of Eagles: Delainey (8), Dally (5), and Deacon (3).
Andria beams with pride when talking about Brennan, describing him as a true servant leader who quietly gives his all to his family, church, and community without ever seeking recognition. For the Williams family, there was never a doubt about where to build their life.
"Decatur is home for both of us," she continued. "This community and school shaped both of us into who we are today as individuals and as a couple. We are fortunate to get to raise our children in this community and around the people that we love and with a community we have such pride in."
A Tale of Two Love Stories
For Blake (Class of '12) and Blakely (Brown) Haney (Class of '14), the road to "I do" depends entirely on who you ask! Blakely remembers things clearly: she was close friends with Blake’s sister in high school, had a massive crush on him, and had even been to his house and talked to him. Blake, on the other hand, jokingly insists they didn’t actually meet until college.
While they both ended up at Texas A&M, the mutual sparks didn't fly immediately. Blakely tried to drop a few hints by asking for Spanish homework help on Twitter, but Blake—true to form—missed the signal! It took a chance encounter walking home from an Aggie football game to get the conversation started, but the real "touchdown" happened back home.
During a trip back to Decatur for the Battle of the Big Sandy, the two ran into each other outside the gates of Eagle Stadium while cheering on their younger brothers. Numbers were finally exchanged, and just 15 months later, they were engaged. Now married for eight years, Blake and Blakely are back in North Texas with plans to move back to Decatur as soon as they're able. The two are currently raising their own future Eagles, Lyla and Emmy.
Whether it started in high school or college, one thing is certain: they ended up exactly where they were meant to be.