Jane Parker Huber

Obituary from the Presbyterian News Service:

Jane Parker Huber, 82, renowned Presbyterian hymn writer and tireless advocate for women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), died Nov. 15 in Hanover, IN.

Born to missionary parents in China, Jane descends from a long line of Presbyterian leaders. She has served as interim program coordinator for Presbyterian Women, as well as on the PC(USA)’s Council on Women and the Church, Joint Committee on Women, Social Justice and Peacemaking Ministry Unit, and the General Assembly Council.

She has been recognized as a “Valiant Woman” by Church Women United and in 2002 received the PC(USA)’s “Woman of Faith Award.”

For many years, she was recognized as a respected sage through her regular column, “Ask Jane,” in HORIZONS, the magazine for Presbyterian Women.

She was probably best known for the scores of hymns she wrote to familiar tunes. Her “Women of Faith” citation states: “Jane Parker Huber's creative renderings of "fresh words to familiar tunes" have inspired Christians to sing hymns with expansive, gender-inclusive language and rethink all of the images used for God and people.”

Parker Huber attended Wellesley College and received her B.A. and an honorary doctorate from Hanover (IN) College. In 1992, she and her husband, Bill, received Hanover’s “Alumni Achievement Award.”

A memorial service will be held December 13 at 11 a.m. at Hanover Presbyterian Church. In addition to Bill, Jane Parker Huber is survived by six children, 13 grandchildren, two great-granchildren and other relatives and friends.

by Jerry L. Van Marter
http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2008/08855.htm