Rev. Dr. Marguerite E. Handy, 'a jewel,' dies at 72

THE DEATH OF the Rev. Dr. Marguerite E. Handy on Tuesday evoked the kind of sentiments usually reserved for people with a higher profile.

But to those who knew her and worked with her, including many of the city's movers and shakers, Marguerite Handy was treasured as one who made a difference in the lives of so many people who needed the kind of love and compassion she offered.

Her life was motivated by a strong faith that she had a higher calling to serve the people. And she did so through faith-based programs, HIV/AIDS initiatives, working with prisoners and religion-based surrender programs for criminal suspects, as well as pastoral work in her role as a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal faith.

Marguerite Handy, executive director of the Mayor's Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, who was credited with defining what the term faith-based means in Philadelphia and how it could be implemented, was 72 and lived in West Philadelphia.

And what made Marguerite even more cherished by those she worked with was that she accomplished everything she did with wit and optimism.

Several associates called her a "jewel."

"Reverend Marguerite Handy was a woman of faith, a strong advocate for the vulnerable, a true friend to everyone she knew and a beautiful person," said Mayor Nutter.

"She brought warmth and eternal optimism to the mayor's office and the Greater Philadelphia clergy community," Nutter said. "She cared deeply about government's role in improving the lives of people all across the city.

"She was a leader during the Peaceful Surrender initiative, which encouraged individuals with outstanding warrants to take responsibility for their actions and turn themselves in to their religious leaders.

"She also coordinated with Philadelphia clergy to persuade cooperation and implement HIV testing and prevention education by congregations throughout the city.

"Reverend Handy provided vision, innovation and pastoral care while tackling some of the most difficult issues a city faces."

The Rev. Dr. W. Wilson Goode, who became the city's first black mayor in 1984, said that Marguerite Handy "was the person who defined faith-based initiatives in the city."

Goode, now director of Amachi, which mentors children of prisoners, said that while there had been talk for years about faith-based programs, "her presence defined the office as a connecting link between the city and the faith community."

"She was charming, witty, smart, practical and passionate about the city and the faith community working together to solve problems of people in the city," he said. "When she was given an assignment, she went after it with vigor and passion, and never stopped until the job was done. She was a city jewel who absolutely will be missed."

U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah said that Marguerite "was beloved by all. Her deep faith was matched only by her work ethic, her positive attitude and the results she achieved. She was a loved friend and spiritual guide for many men and women in public life, including myself."

The Rev. Dr. Ernest McNear, pastor of True Gospel Tabernacle Church and coordinator of the Peaceful Surrender program of which Marguerite was a motivating force, described her as a "tremendous woman of God."

"I never knew anyone in 30 years in the ministry who knew so many religious and political leaders and worked with them. She was a jewel."

"She was one of the most dedicated and giving people you could find," said the Rev. Jay Broadnax, pastor of Mount Pisgah AME Church, of which Marguerite was associate pastor.

"She was always available to try to make resources available to help people. She was just a very giving, dedicated person."

Jane Shull, executive director of Philadelphia FIGHT, an AIDS service organization, said that Marguerite "really revolutionized the way the clergy thought about HIV in Philadelphia.

"She was thoughtful, energetic and extremely serious in her commitment to this issue and the need to involve faith communities."

Marguerite agreed to serve as the honorary chairwoman of AIDS Education Month in June, "and we are saddened and disappointed that we will not have the benefit of her leadership as we go forward," Shull said.

Before joining the city government in 2004, Marguerite worked in various community programs and initiatives, served as a consultant on community issues to GlaxoSmithKline and helped Keystone Mercy Health Plan develop its successful Women Health Ministry.

She received a doctor of divinity degree from the Full Gospel Baptist Bible Institute.

She is survived by a daughter, Pamela Ball; three sons, Christophe, Kenneth and Douglas Clarke; two sisters, the Rev. Alice Hughes and Carly Fields; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Services: 11 a.m. Tuesday at Mount Pisgah AME Church, 428 N. 41st St. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery.