Marion Liebert, who arranged PC(USA) meetings across the nation and around the world, dies at 92

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LOUISVILLE — Marion Liebert, who planned and executed meetings of Presbyterian boards, committees and other groups across the country and around the world, died Dec. 29, 2024, at age 92. Her service was held last week in Louisville, Kentucky. Read her full obituary here.

Liebert was a lifelong resident of Louisville. She grew up in the Butchertown neighborhood in an extended family home with her parents, her sister and her grandparents. Her grandfather operated a barbershop on the first floor of their home, and her grandmother would prepare meals for her husband’s customers.  

Liebert graduated from Atherton High School for Girls in 1950. Her friends and family remember her as an indomitable woman and a force to be reckoned with. She made her way in the world and enjoyed success and life on her own terms.

She had a strong work ethic. For many years she was an administrator at South Central Bell Telephone. She came to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) starting with the Joint Office of Worship at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. After 12 years there, she moved to the Presbyterian Center in 1988 when the PC(USA) brought its national offices to Louisville.

For almost 10 years, Liebert worked in administration for the General Assembly Mission Council, which became the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board. Along with other staff members, Liebert planned and executed meetings throughout the United States and around the world. These large and complex meetings demanded attention to detail, a strong will and a good sense of humor.

She enjoyed the opportunity to visit new locations and see the world, especially in the context of Presbyterian World Mission. In addition to many cities in the United States, she organized GAC meetings and trips to Switzerland and South Korea.

Immediately upon her retirement in 1998, Liebert volunteered for the Church of Scotland in Edinburg and studied at The University of Edinburgh, cherishing her time there.

Liebert was described as “quietly devout.” In 2023, when she moved from her home to the Episcopal Church Home, the book she needed first was her well-worn daily devotional.

She was a voracious reader. She enjoyed mysteries the most but read topics across the board. She had strong feelings about not turning the corner down on the page of a book and keeping the dust cover on.

She was an animal lover, and dogs were her favorite, especially Schnapps, her beloved dachshund. When neighbors walked their dogs by her home, she always enjoyed visiting the pups.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Margaret (Bauer) Liebert. Her sister, Carol Jean (Liebert) Brannock, also predeceased her.