Elizabeth (Betty) Pentz Franklin Lurie, past liturgist, organist, and choir director at St Mark's Episcopal Church passed away Friday, November 23, 2018. She was born in Plainfield, New Jersey on November 11, 1925 to Walter Mayer Franklin, Jr and Elizabeth Pentz. In 1966, Betty became the organist choir director at St. Mark's Episcopal Church where her musical and spiritual life blossomed. Her passion was to create a model of liturgical and musical integrity in the diocese. Betty served on the Liturgical Commission and chaired the Episcopal Diocese of Florida Music Commission. She devoted countless hours to the 1982 Hymnal Project., was Dean of the American Guild of Organists, Jax, and created the liturgy for all special events at St Mark's.
Betty was predeceased by her brothers, Harry Banks French Franklin, Thomas Emlin Franklin, and Walter Mayer Franklin, her former husband, Robert Lurie, and her son in law, Rick Jones. She is survived by her children, R. Thornton Lurie (Alice), Serena Bloomfield (Stephen) and Katharine Jones, eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. She is in our hearts and our song forever.
Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 1pm at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 4129 Oxford Ave. Jax 32210.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the musical program at St. Mark's Church or St. John's Cathedral.
Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville. Please sign the guest book at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com.
