Florence W. Pert

Florence Pert had a way with words. Sometimes you had to pay attention to understand the accent.. but you always got the intention. And thats coming from another southern woman. Florence was a blessing for new, somewhat lost members of Marble. She brought us in, nurtured us and made a place for us. She understood the words of the Bible more than anyone else I knew. I was a member of Marble for over 30 years before moving to Princeton, NJ, but I always loved seeing her face when I...

The Peter Minuit Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, is very sorry to lose a great lady whom we were honored to count among our ranks.

Last Sunday I was at Marble Church and fully expected to see you go up onto the pulpit with the other ministers for the service. Your passing has left a big hole in my heart and life and I still can't get my arms around the fact that I will not see you again in this life. Bye for now, dear friend.

“Women from the south are graceful, gentle like the branches of a magnolia tree, yet strong as steel to withstand tornados... they are like Steel Magnolias.”

Florence, wherever you are, I hope you can smell the magnolias.

You did so much for women. It was your robust laugh and good nature that welcomed so many who felt felt marginalized and weakened. You introduced us to a beautiful world and helped us do the right thing. Thanks for all that good southern-stuff you shared so bountifully.l

Florence Pert was a good friend to my mother Isabelle Bacon who was a member of Marble and established the Holy Land Museum there. Florence encouraged her in this mission and led my mother's memorial service in October of 2007.

Dear Florence: It's Christmas and my thoughts go to you and your wonderful spirit. Knowing you was like 'Christmas all year round'. I miss you so and love you so much. I pray that you are at peace. Love, Valerie xo

Florence Pert was a powerhouse. She was a remarkable advocate for women in ministry and women in the world. Many carry on her work as she empowered others. She built the infrastructure for Marble to become a real church community in her own right, and in an incredible partnership with Arthur Caliandro. It is due to their work together that the church's spiritual life and work is still strong, vital and vibrant. She understood the power of prayer and easily invited others to experience...

May Florence rest in peace knowing that she made a difference in so many lives. Shortly after I moved to New York, I met Florence and the wonderful family of Marble Collegiate Church. Through her kind words and stalwart faith she helped to give me an empowerment as a young woman that I didn't know I had. My biggest expression of gratitude will be to honor the gift she has given to me and to so many others.