For Valentine’s Day, The Neighborhoods will be sharing short and sweet love stories from Detroit couples who met in Detroit. Join in on the love using our #DetroitLove hashtag.

Sharon Williams and Charles Jackson Jr.

Most relationships don’t start with debates, but Charles and Sharon aren’t like most people. Charles was a new student at Central High School, Detroit’s oldest public high school. Their first conversation turned into an argument over whether Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” was available on 8-track or not. From there, the two became what most thought were sworn enemies. 

After college, Sharon and Charles reunited and he decided to ask her on a date. That one date turned into 33 years of marriage, three beautiful children (the most beautiful one having written this article — just sayin’) and one grandchild. 

The pair remains actively involved with the Central High School Alumni Association, often planning all-class reunions and picnic as well as supporting the school’s sports teams. 

Photos by Cyrus Tetteh/City of Detroit