I truly, truly wish I had a chance to have met Florence. I imagine she probably had some amazing stories and insight to share.
From DZ Nationals:
Florence Hood Miner AB ’27, Delta Zeta’s National Historian Emeritus, Passes Away
1909-2009
The National Council of Delta Zeta announces with deep sadness the passing of Florence Hood Miner AB ’27 (University of Illinois), of Castle Rock, Colorado, Delta Zeta’s National Historian Emeritus and Past National Officer, on August 23, 2009 at the age of 100. “Delta Zeta has lost our ‘Living Legend,’ Florence Hood Miner, whose own history was as fascinating as that of our Sorority, and who truly dedicated her life to Delta Zeta,” Michelle Albrecht Smith, National President, said. “The loss of such a unique and treasured individual is a void that cannot be filled, and we will mourn her passing for a long time to come.”
Mrs. Miner, affectionately and fittingly nicknamed the “Living Legend,” witnessed Delta Zeta’s progress and metamorphosis over an impressive span of some 80 years. Through her involvement with Delta Zeta, the Sorority gained an invaluable sense of history, benefited from her professional talents, and through her generosity and wisdom reinforced its future.
She became the Sorority’s National Historian in 1981, and wrote a history book celebrating Delta Zeta’s 80-year anniversary entitled Delta Zeta Sorority, 1902-1982. Mrs. Miner was also Editor of The LAMP, Delta Zeta’s national magazine, from 1936-1940 and again from
1969-1981. Readers enjoyed Mrs. Miner’s own column, “The Lampost,” a regular feature that always provided entertainment and interesting facts about Delta Zeta, its members and its history. In addition, she served for many years as the Editor of the Delta Zeta convention newsletter, The Lampkin. She was a well-known figure at Delta Zeta conventions and proudly held the record for the most conventions (34) ever attended, where she was known for her “Fireside Chats,” stories about the Sorority told in the presence of rapt collegians and alumnae alike with Mrs. Miner’s own inimitable sense of humor.
Mrs. Miner was not only an important figure in Delta Zeta’s past, but was an inspiring contributor to its future. With the Florence Hood Miner Standards Programming Fund, she established an endowment to embellish and upgrade continuing educational programs and develop new programs for collegians. She was also the namesake of the Florence Hood Miner Award, given annually to Delta Zeta members who are in their junior year and have made significant contributions to their college chapter and Delta Zeta through outstanding leadership on campus, while maintaining a good academic record. Her generosity reflected her commitment to advancing Delta Zeta’s values and furthering its purpose.
Mrs. Miner was initiated into the Alpha Beta Chapter at the University of Illinois in 1927. She worked on the staff of the school newspaper, the Daily Illini, developing a passion for journalism that would serve her well in her career endeavors and in her service to Delta Zeta Sorority. After earning her Bachelor of Science degree in journalism, Mrs. Miner began her long and successful professional career. She followed her love of fashion and worked as a fashion coordinator and buyer at Saks 5th Avenue in Detroit. She also taught fashion classes at Wayne State University in Detroit and spent over 30 years writing for the Nevada, Iowa Evening Journal.
Mrs. Miner leaves behind her daughter, Juliet Miner I (University of Iowa) and her son, John. She was proud of her granddaughters, Stephanie Miner, an alumna of the Beta Kappa Chapter (Iowa State University) and a Past Collegiate Chapter President, and Danielle Miner, an alumna of the Delta Xi Chapter (University of Northern Colorado). She would have been especially pleased to know that her great niece, Carla Quina, had just pledged the Beta Xi Chapter at Auburn University.
Condolences may be sent to her daughter, Juliet Miner, and her son, John Miner, at 1917 Five Iron Drive, Castle Rock, CO 80104-2746.
Mrs. Miner’s generosity and countless contributions to the Sorority stand as testimony to her devotion to Delta Zeta. The Sorority will not forget her remarkable and incomparable spirit.
Florence Hood Miner, DZ Historian Emeritus, Has Died
She sounded like one heck of a lady! Thoughts and prayers are with her family and her DZ sisters
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