Lutherans For Life mourns the death of our dear sister, Dr. Jean Garton. Dr. Garton became a leader in advocating respect and protection for every human being following the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. She served instrumentally in the formation of Lutherans For Life in 1978 and accepted the position of its first president.
She recently led an energetic presentation at our Lutherans For Life National Conference this past October based on the theme “Here We Stand” and there received the Dominus Vitae award in honor of her lifelong, Gospel-motivated labors to affirm God’s gift of life. Her acclaimed and influential book Who Broke the Baby? is entering its third edition of publication.
The entire nationwide Lutherans For Life community, even in our grief, gives enthusiastic thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for Jean’s faith, compassion, wit, courage, and work.
Dr. Jean Garton entered her Heavenly Father’s eternal glory on the morning of December 23, 2016, following a brief illness.
A memorial for Dr. Garton is planned for 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2017, at Friends of Christ Lutheran Church, 4305 Highway 5 N, Bryant, AR 72022.
The memorial, “A Celebration of Life for Jean Garton,” is intended to “celebrate the life of our beloved friend, Jean Garton, and to celebrate the eternal victory won for her by Jesus Christ,” according to planners, and includes a luncheon. Those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP to the church office at 501.943.7597 or via email at emilwoerner63@gmail.com.
Memorials may be made in her memory to:
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the Dean Paul Garton Memorial Endowment Fund (which benefits married seminary students in need of financial assistance), Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105.
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Friends in Christ Lutheran Church, 4305 Highway 5 N., Bryant, AR 72019.
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Saline Memorial Hospice, 1 Medical Park Drive, Benton, AR 72015.
Photo: Dr. Jean Garton with LFL President Lynette Auch at the 2016 Lutherans For Life National Conference in Bloomington, Minnesota.