Carol was on her way to also becoming a Howard University medical student. Carol and Earl laugh about Earl’s initially challenging approach. “I told her I didn’t think women could be doctors,” Earl admitted. The ever-confident Carol did not back down and was prepared to advocate for her professional goals. “I was up for the challenge!” she said of Earl, two years her senior. Marylyn and Andrew Larkin of Oviedo met during a chance encounter of a different kind. She was in the middle of a busy workday as a phlebotomist at a hospital when her husband- to-be became a patient in the emergency room. “I knew right away she was going to be my wife,” said Andrew, of the first time he laid eyes on Marylyn. Both described the other as being “focused and driven” individuals.
After being discharged from the hospital, a very focused and driven Andrew came back to the hospital to ask Marylyn out to lunch. She initially declined but eventually opted to take him up on his offer. Fifty-four years later, their love and commitment to one another persists. Oviedo residents Dr. Annie J. Gavin, Ph.D., and Dr. James R. Gavin, III, MD, met at Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina. James, then a senior, was president of “almost everything” and was presiding over a meeting in the student union when a sassy freshman entered the building.
MARYLYN LARKIN AND ANDREW LARKIN OF OVIEDO
Difficult days will come. Trust in God. Make God part of the marriage. That is a major factor that will get
you past troubling days.” – Marylyn Larkin
He describes his first impression of Annie as “Wow!” Perhaps it was her mini-skirt and boots or her mature persona, but it was immediately evident to him that Annie was special. Unfortunately for James, Annie was seemingly unimpressed with his lengthy resume and big man-on-campus reputation. “I just knew right then and there I had to set her straight. And 55 years later, I’m getting closer…, but I haven’t quite gotten there yet!” he joked. Annie, then going through a challenging week of school, admits to having been a bit annoyed by the gregarious senior. “I wasn’t paying him any attention,” she said. But after they both performed in the Livingstone College Star Review Talent Show,
the two hit it off. James walked her to her dorm room after the show, and they’ve been walking side by side ever since.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
OVIEDO RESIDENTS DR. ANNIE J. GAVIN, PH.D., AND DR. JAMES R. GAVIN, III, MD
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