As their 34th wedding anniversary approaches, Seth and Daphne Coleman are offering a simple but powerful message about lasting love, friendship, faith and mutual respect still matter.
The couple recently joined Couples Cafe on Let’s Talk About It With the Turners, where they reflected on their marriage, family life and the values that have helped sustain their relationship since they wed on April 4, 1992.
During the conversation, the Colemans shared how their love story began at Spelman College’s bookstore, where Daphne was working before heading off to the University of Georgia. Seth, then a Morehouse student, came through her line, and what started as a brief exchange later turned into hours of conversation at a party the same night. From there, their relationship grew into a marriage that has now spanned more than three decades.
Today, the couple lives in South Fulton and serves as leaders of the marriage ministry at Israel Missionary Baptist Church. Daphne Coleman, a native of Atlanta, retired from Atlanta Public Schools as an elementary education administrator. Seth Coleman, originally from St. Louis, works in media relations and open records for Atlanta Public Schools. Together, they have built a life centered on faith, family and service, raising three children and welcoming two grandchildren.
Asked what has kept their marriage strong over the years, Daphne Coleman pointed to the importance of genuine companionship.
“You know, we genuinely like each other and that is so important for you to just like your person,” she said.
That sense of friendship was a recurring theme throughout the interview. While the Colemans acknowledged the pressures that come with marriage, particularly in the early years, when finances were tight and parenting demands were high, they said their connection never disappeared. Instead, it evolved through the seasons of life.
Seth Coleman said some of their greatest challenges were not dramatic conflicts, but the everyday realities many couples face, including money concerns and the strain that can come when children require so much time and attention. Even then, he said, the couple remained grounded in their commitment to each other and in their shared faith.
The Colemans also spoke candidly about the practical side of making a marriage work. They emphasized that respect matters, especially during disagreements, and encouraged couples to be intentional about how they communicate.
“You have to fight fair,” Daphne Coleman said. “You can’t say anything that you can’t come back from.”
The couple said those principles have helped them navigate the years with grace and perspective. Now in the empty-nest stage of life, they said their bond feels natural because they never stopped being friends while raising their family.
Their story also reflects a legacy of marriage within their family. During the interview, Daphne Coleman noted that her parents will celebrate 64 years of marriage this year, offering yet another example of endurance, faith and commitment for younger generations to see.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.