Many young ladies enter college with a dual purpose in mind. One, of course, is getting an education, and their other major is getting a husband.

Colista Ledford told me she had the latter major in mind when she entered college at Berea.

Colista accomplished completing college even after she got the guy she wanted, which is more than a lot of young ladies do.

Her story is a unique one.

Colista’s roommate at college was dating this guy from Tennessee. However, she decided another guy would be more to her choosing. She dumped him and put her attention on a guy from Ohio.

Colista’s life would soon change for her.

The guy the roommate dumped was Homer Ledford, and he soon asked Colista out for a date.

The tall, skinny, black-haired boy from Tennessee with the sweet smile and the beautiful Johnson County girl were meant to be together.

They would date for two years, and after Colista graduated from college, a wedding date was set. She took summer classes to get through college.

They were married in January 1952. A marriage that lasted more than 50 years. Colista always says he was a good man.

Colista’s family would accept Homer well, with the exception of her uncle who worried about Colista’s well-being when they first tied the knot. He said as much with these words, “That guy won’t be able to support Colista because he is too skinny.”

Homer Ledford would provide a loving home for Colista. When I asked her what he called her, she quickly said, “Honey. That is all he ever called me.” How sweet that was.

Since Homer was a shop and woodworking teacher at the old Clark County High School, he and Colista mingled with other teachers on occasion.

Once when Ollie Dykes called Colista “Honey,” Homer did not like it a bit. He said something to Ollie and his response back to Homer was, “ Well, that is all I have ever heard you call her. I thought that was her name.” In other words, Homer let the world know at that point, “She is my Honey, and mine alone.”

As the people of Clark County and the world would soon learn, the skinny guy with the beautiful smile, kind heart and a love for everyone would become an icon.

Colista never wanted in her life because she had Homer. He would literally carve out a life for her and their four kids by carving things with his hands and selling them in the shops when they first married.

He took odd jobs, taught and made musical instruments for which he became famous.

His dulcimers would be put into the Smithsonian for the world to see. Even with that honor, Homer remained a simple man.

Homer was full of talent. He could play practically any instrument and could even make a saw into an instrument. He played with The Cabin Creek Band.

Colista said she never got tired of listening to his music with the band or traveling with him for nearly 10 years.

Colista and Homer’s four children are all talented and have made their mark on the world in their own way. Homer would be so proud of the way they check in on their mom. They had one son, Mark, and three daughters, Cindy, Julie and Mattie.

Colista has probably never received all the acclaim she deserves. She has been ready to help where she is able and is still secretary for the AARP chapter in Winchester.

She is nearing 90 and is an icon herself. After all, she was Homer Ledford’s wife.

He could have never done all he did without her.

It is no wonder the more I have come to know her I understand why he only called her “Honey.”

Sue Staton is a Clark County native who grew up in the Kiddville area. She is a wife, mother and grandmother who is active in her church, First United Methodist Church, and her homemakers group, Towne and Country Homemakers.