VALLEY FORGE, PA - Dr. Virginia Sargent, active in Christian education for more than 50 years, died October 10 after a long battle with cancer. She was 77.
Sargent served Educational Ministries for more than two decades, joining the mission board in 1973 as a program associate for the Department of Ministry with Children. Known as an innovator and visionary, she was instrumental in organizing the first American Baptist educational conference for Black Christian Education and Leadership Development held at prestigious Oberlin College.
Known to her many friends as "Ginger," Sargent retired from Educational Ministries in 1995, but continued to challenge herself. Instead of enjoying well-deserved leisure, she went back to school to become a registered chaplain and was ordained into American Baptist ministry in 1998 at Saints Memorial Baptist Church, Bryn Mawr, Pa.
"The best way to describe Ginger is that she was a life-long learner," says the Rev. John Murrow, Associate Executive Minister for Discipleship at Philadelphia Baptist Association (PBA), another recipient of Dr. Sargent's energy and dedication. In addition to serving on various committees, she was editor of PBA's Metroliner newsletter.
With the Civil Rights Movement at its peak in the 60s, a young Virginia Sargent joined others protesting inequality in a country founded upon the proposition that all are created equal. She was a strong peace and justice advocate, and her participation was a statement of her faith, according to long-time friend, Vernice Lee, Secretary at Saints Memorial Baptist Church. "She followed her faith and her belief. She didn't just talk about it, she lived it."
A native New Yorker, Sargent earned her doctorate from Eastern Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary) in 1988, while serving Educational Ministries. She received a master's degree in Christian education in 1952 from Hartford Seminary and a bachelor of arts degree from Hunter College in 1950.
Sargent, a member of Saints Memorial Baptist Church, served there as minister of Christian education and coordinator of ministers. She was also an associate member of Central Baptist Church in Wayne, Pa.
A resident of Ardmore, Pa., Sargent is survived by a son, a daughter, and four grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 17, at Saints Memorial Baptist Church, 47 S. Warner Avenue, Bryn Mawr, Pa. The funeral begins at 7 p.m.; calling hours begin at 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send gifts in memory of Dr. Sargent to Youth Ministry for Saints Memorial Baptist Church at the church address.
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches, USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/