Church honors late pastor
Apostle Loretta Pernice died of complications from COVID-19 in Feb.
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WARREN -- It was a special Easter service as members of the Elim Christian Center gathered Sunday to remember their pastor, Apostle Loretta Pernice, and to honor her with a special memorial wall inside the church.
Following tributes from members of the congregation, a picture of Pernice, the pastor's robe she wore when she was ordained as a minister, a nameplate and the center's mission / vision statement were placed on a wall outside the sanctuary.
Pernice, of Warren, died in February at St. Joseph Warren Hospital following complications with her battle with COVID-19. She was 62.
Elder Aruthenia Simmons, who led the worship service, said following a time of mourning of Pernice, Easter was a time of "rejoicing," knowing Pernice is with the Lord.
"We will continue to mourn and grieve, but it is also time to rejoice as we celebrate the life and legacy of Apostle Loretta Pernice. When you are going through rough times think of her words of encouragement. She touched each and every one of us in a certain way. We thank God for her life, for her legacy and for her family," Simmons said.
Family members said they appreciate the efforts to remember the life and ministry of Pernice.
Pernice's children, Tiffany Lowery and Delshawn Dansler, and her husband, David Pernice, led a procession through the church carrying Loretta Pernice's picture and other items to the wall.
"It was a beautiful tribute for her. I am proud to be her daughter and know all the people she has helped and touched,” Lowery said.
Dansler said his mother will be remembered for all she accomplished in her life.
"She was a very inspirational person and a trailblazer. This shows that her visions will continue," he said.
Pernice was the senior pastor and founder of Elim Christian Center.
In 1999, Pernice, who saw a need for people who were struggling with addiction and abuse, created a ministry called "Total Deliverance.” In January 1999, through the ministry of Total Deliverance was born Pathway Sober House, an outreach ministry offering substance abuse and recovery and sobriety maintenance as well as transitional housing for those needing additional help.
In March 2000, Pernice was elevated from minister to pastor. She later was given the Mantle of Apostleship, which she accepted and was confirmed by Bishop Dr. T. Anthony Bronner.
"She was an awesome person. Anyone who ever met her said she was a great encourager. No words can express what I feel toward her for all the help she gave me," Simmons said.
Pernice received numerous awards and recognitions for her service to the community, including the Outstanding Community Service award from the A. Philip Randolph Institute. Also, she was a 2000 Hall of Fame Inductee of the African-American Achievers Association.
In 2005, a proclamation was given that May 8 be appointed as "Loretta Pernice Day" in the city of Warren by then Mayor Michael J. O'Brien. She was also honored as a 2009 Community Star by the Tribune Chronicle.