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Disciples morn the loss of Virginia Liggett CLAREMONT, CALIF., Oct. 8, 2002 -- It is with sadness that, on behalf of Global Ministries of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), we share the news about the death of Mrs. Virginia Liggett, at age 84, in Pilgrim Place Home, Claremont, Calif., on Friday, Oct. 4, 2002. Virginia and her husband, Dr. Thomas J. Liggett, served for 21 years as Disciples of Christ missionaries, first in Argentina (1947-1957), and later in Puerto Rico (1957-1967). During her ministry in Argentina, and among other responsibilities related to the Disciples Church and the ecumene, Virginia initially served in parish work in the city of Resistencia (northern Argentina), and later in Buenos Aires, where she taught Christian Education at the Union Theological Seminary currently known as the Institute of Graduate Theological Studies (ISEDET); and actively worked at the Disciples congregation in "Colegiales," the Federation of Evangelical Churches, and the Argentine Evangelical Women's League, among other ecumenical projects. In Puerto Rico, she served as librarian at the Evangelical Seminary in Rio Piedras, actively participated in the Disciples' Christian Women's Fellowship and the Association of Evangelical Women of Puerto Rico, and was a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in University Gardens, Rio Piedras. Both in Argentina and Puerto Rico, Virginia is remembered for her love and commitment toward the church, her interest and contribution to the formation of leaders, especially among women, and her uncomparable hospitality. After concluding their term of service in Puerto Rico, the Liggett family moved to Indianapolis, Ind., where Virginia was appointed reference librarian at Christian Theological Seminary. In 1972, she was elected Associate Regional Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana with primary responsibilities in the areas of women's work, social witness and ecumenical concerns, a position which she held until 1975. She was also active in the Indiana Council of Churches and Church Women United, where she served as vice president for ecumenical programs. For 20 years, Virginia participated in the Indianapolis Committee for the Japan International Christian University. After retirement in 1987, she and Dr. Liggett moved to the Pilgrim Place Home in Claremont, Calif. Virginia graduated with honors from Transylvania University, Lexington, Ky, (1940); and received a Master in Arts Degree in a joint program of Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University, New York City (1952), with specialization in Christian education. In 2002, Virginia received the honorary degree "Doctor of Divinity" from Christian Theological Seminary. Virginia is survived by her husband of 61 years, Dr. Thomas J. Liggett, her daughter, Margaret-"Peggy" (a Nurse Practioner and currently a Board Member of our Global Ministries), her son, Thomas M. (a professor of mathematics at UCLA), four grandchildren, Tim, Amy, Kyla and Yume, and one great-grandchild, Thomas Jackson, TJ. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2002, at 3:00 p.m., Pilgrim Place, Claremont, Calif. In lieu of flowers, you may send your donations to the "Virginia Liggett Scholarship Fund" at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Ind. Notes of condolence may be sent to Dr. Thomas J. Liggett at 647 Harrison Avenue Claremont, CA 91711. -- End -- 02-87 Contact: Melinda Mains |