Features Editor

Feb. 14, 2001 10 PM

A couple of "sweethearts" were crowned Valentine King and Queen at the Colley Senior Complex yesterday.

Robert Jobe and Dorothy Murray were elected by popular vote and the applause indicated that the overwhelming majority of participants at the center were proud to be the subjects of the royal couple.

When the couple met at the center about a year ago, they "took a shine" to each other.

"When Robert first came to the center, I knew that he didn’t know anyone, so I tried to make him feel at home," Murray said. "My husband died in July 1998 and I started coming to the center to try and make a new life for myself. I knew how much the friendship of others meant to me. I thought he needed a friend, too."

Jobe said the relationship he shares with Murray is "a meeting of hearts."

"I’d lived in Texas and Birmingham and I came to Troy to be near my daughter and grandchild," he said. "I didn’t know that I would meet someone like Dorothy and I didn’t know that I would find so many sweet, precious people to be my friends. I look forward to coming to the center everyday. I enjoy the lunches and most especially the fellowship."

Murray is originally from Troy, but moved away the day she got married to a professional baseball player, James Murray, who was a shortstop in the Yankee farm league.

The couple lived away for 50 years before returning to Troy in 1984 and enjoyed being back home. When Murray’s husband died, a cloud came over her life, but she found a sliver lining at the Colley Senior Complex.

"My friends, the fellowship, the fun and, of course, the Valentine King," Murray said, with a broad smile.

Both king and queen agreed that it is an honor to reign and they decree love, health and happiness for all their subjects at the Colley Senior Complex.