Florence Littauer April 27, 1928-July 11, 2020
For most of her adult life, Florence Littauer traversed the globe—including Lubbock—sharing her message of hope, encouragement and understanding. But this author of more than 40 books—including Dare to Dream—never dreamed that she’d leave Southern California and find herself living in Lubbock. For the past two years, this has been her home—with her daughter Marita.
Florence has had an amazing life. But, like living in Lubbock, it wasn’t what she’d originally planned for herself.
She grew up during the Great Depression and longed for a better life. A college scholarship was seen as her ticket to success. Her hard work paid off and Florence was rewarded with an English degree. Because her father died while she was attending the University of Massachusetts, she returned home to teach English, speech, and drama at Haverhill High School. There, she also helped her mother with a little neighborhood store the family owned.
During the summer, many teachers served as camp counselors—which is how she met her husband, Fred. He was from New York but was visiting his younger brother in Maine. They dated long distance and married in 1953. Florence’s drama students were so excited about the wedding, they planned it like a giant senior class play and, as a result, her wedding was featured in Life Magazine, May 18, 1953.
Fred was in the restaurant business and his early jobs took them to several locales until he started his own business and the family moved to Connecticut where most of their children were born. Lauren was born in Michigan. Marita, Fred, Jr. and Larry in Connecticut. Unfortunately, the boys, though perfect at birth, both had an unnamed genetic regressive disorder and died young. The family later adopted a baby boy who they named Frederick Jeffrey. Today, he is a vice president at Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
Until the death of her two sons, Florence’s life had gone as she planned. A deep depression followed. A search for answers brought the family to God.
It is that faith that changed the course of their lives. Fred and Florence moved the family to San Bernardino, California, to serve as staff at the, then, headquarters for Campus Crusade for Christ. Fred ran the food service. Florence began teaching Bible studies. Together, the couple taught Sunday school.
Groups began to invite Florence to tell her life story and to share how she overcame depression. Then, more groups and more groups. Her first published book was her life story—which has since been revised and retitled four times.
Her best-selling book is Personality Plus. It has sold millions of copies and is translated into more than 25 languages. Florence was known for her humor and for making the four personality types (The Personalities)—a tool for understanding yourself and getting along with others—fun for, and accessible to everyone. (Listen to her classic presentation: “The Best of Personality Plus” in the Free Resources page at ThePersonalities.com)
Many people remember Florence Littauer for her powerful presentation on Silver Boxes: The Gift of Encouragement and her popular book by the same name. Her masterful application of the Bible verse Ephesians 4:29 brought home the reality of the power our words have upon others and the effect we allow others’ words to have over our own lives. This important message has changed people’s lives by turning them intoencouragers, and it has even been known to bring tears to the eyes of corporate CEOs. (Listen to this signature speech in the Free Resources page at ThePersonalities.com)
In addition to her own speaking and writing ministry, Florence spent more than 30 years teaching men and women communication skills—specifically with the goal of helping them tell their story effectively through the spoken and written word.
Thousands have been trained through the CLASSeminar (Christian Leaders, Authors & Speakers Seminar). Hundreds of books have been, and are still being, published because of her talents.
Fred, who ultimately joined Florence in the full-time ministry work, died of a heart attack in 2002 while Florence was speaking at a writer’s conference. A bout of shingles forced Florence into retirement at 82. She has five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
A series of health issues in early 2018 made it evident that Florence could no longer live on her own. In June, she arrived in Lubbock with two suitcases of summer clothes. In October, Marita and Florence went back to Palm Springs to gather up her treasures (and winter clothes) and bring them to her suite in Chuck and Marita’s home.
Florence Littauer’s life work has had a positive influence on an infinite number of people. She died knowing that she has made the world a better place. Though she is no longer with us in person, her influence, with your help,will continue on.
Florence enjoyed her life in Lubbock where her health improved. Marita kept her engaged with a variety of activities and parties, until May 17, 2020. Florence suffered a stroke—from which, after 8 weeks of hospitalization and one week of hospice care at home, she ultimately passed away on July 11, 2020 in her own bed. A private family remembrance/send-off party will be held. She will be buried, in her trademark “Silver Box” dress, at Locust Grove Cemetery in Merrimac, MA—where her husband Fred and her Mother and Father are buried.
The Lord welcomed her home with these words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
I woke up around 3:30 here (PT) and told Dave “I’m thinking so strongly of Florence. “💜 Dave and I rejoice that she is in Heaven ! Bless the family with comfort in happy memories. I will watch this video now with prayers to f thanksgiving for her life. 💜🙏✨
Marita & Lauren
I’m sorry to hear about the loss here of your mother.
I knew her at CCC. In San Bernadino. I was there when they came. I worked in purchasing with Wally Bromberg.
We loved your mom and dad. Such an inspiration.
My husband is Jim Wagoner and his dad Ralph went to help your parents when that fire got very close to their home.
Anyway i know you will miss her dearly.
She and Jesus will have so much to talk about.
“I can only imagine ”
Janet Cooney Wagoner
So grateful to have been mentored by the incredible, amazingly knowledgeable
and laughter filled Florence Littauer. God knew what was ahead to be equipped in becoming a Rep for Women of Faith, traveling to many cities across thr US to promote the conferences.
Then establishing the Modern Day Princess ministry that called me to speak publicly and soon became a published writer. Florence taught me to be confident in what God had called me to do. She also revealed to me that I had a story to tell about my own life…self discovery. Her words of confidence in the gifts God instilled within me gave me the
Confidence to move forward and take the risks that have brought great rewards.
Forever thankful for her belief in me. She equipped me to enjoy an impossible dream.
Florence was incredible inspiration for me and many others. She shared her love of the written and spoken word in a special and unique way. Always encouraging, and helping others learn the craft that she had mastered so well. I learned a great deal from her through CLASS.
Thank you for sharing her with us. She will be dearly missed.
I was awake last night, and was praying for you all. Florence will always have a special place in my heart. Her books and teaching have had an impact in my life. My you have the peace of God during this time.
Marita, Lauren, Fred and family-I am sad to hear this news but happy that Florence is healed and with Fred and all those who have gone before her. Florence was a one of a kind treasure that will be sorely missed and each of us who crossed her path are blessed. Great is her reward!🙏
Florence and Fred were instrumental in a very dark time in my life. She was speaking at a ladies retreat in Frankfort, Ky two months after we had lost a daughter to suicide. As they both spoke on the closing day it turned the course of my life upside down and led me to complete healing only the Lord could orchestrate through them. I have been forever grateful. That was in 1988. Lord thank you so much for her gift and the touching I am sure of many lives besides mine.
I wrote my heartfelt appreciation just a few days ago, now l pray for the heart cradling comfort and joy of a life fulfilled to surround your hearts and minds. Thank you for sharing your mother and being such an integral part of helping so many like myself to fulfill what was to come through our lives in the lanes to which we have been assigned to love others and glorify God.
With prayer and great gratitude,
Sharon Patterson
Thank You, Lord, for the life and ministry of Florence Littauer! She was a tremendous influence on my life and very instrumental in training me for teaching/speaking. So grateful for her bigger-than-life personality and her commitment to excellence. Praying for your family in this time of deep, personal loss!!!
It is with tears in my eyes that I write this, Marita! Your Mom has always been a heroine of mine, and impacted my life forever wither her talks from Amway stages and especially her books “Personality Plus” and “Silver Boxes”! The Legacy that she has left through your great writing and communication skills and the many thousands of people that she has impacted in her life will forever be a great testimony to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom she is now with!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Writing with big gratitude for the impact Florence made to thousands of people. had the pleasure to meet her at Network 21 stages and her teaching made a difference not only to me. remembering meeting Florence in Las Vegas after Amways 50 year anniversary together with Beverly, what a fun time together with this 2 amazing ladies – unforgettable. tomorrow I will pick up my 2 nieces for a week holiday at my place and part of our program is, to read personality plus together and learn from it. so even Florence is gone, she has given us a legacy with her books and teaching, what we will carry on. thank you Lord for your great servant Florence.
Enjoyed this woman! Attended her C.L.A.S.S., read her books, drove her from Anderson Indiana to the Indianapolis airport after one of her seminars. That trip was a hoot! One lesson I learned, the deeper the clothing discount/bargain, doesn’t make it look better on me!😂. Heaven received a real gem today!
Florence changed my life. I first heard her on Focus on the Family, bought the recording and listened to it many times. I attended my first CLASS conference in 2002. The rest is history. Praying for you all.
We loved her. She inspired us. She bequeathed us with silver boxes too numerous to count–her treasure trove to us. She is with her Jesus, her Fred, her boys. She will never be forgotten through her legacy of words. We, in our own small way, pray we can live up to what she saw in us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to a world with “buckets of burdens.” May we share those “armloads of truth,” she told us about. Marita, Lauren, and the entire Littauer family: Please accept my deepest sympathy at the loss of your beloved mother and grandmother. May the Lord strengthen you in the days ahead, and may all the wonderful memories supersede any sadness you feel, and lift your hearts in joy.
Love
Lynn
No one had the impact on my life like Florence did. I cannot even begin to tell you how she completely changed my life. I love you dear sweet Florence and today my heart is broken 💔
I read her books and attended her classes several times and found her work to be so engaging and life changing. She helped us to understand our personalities and to then apply our understanding in our on family lives. RIP Florence and well done, you leave a legacy of work and lives behind.
I am so honored to have met her at a CLASS event in Knoxville, Tennessee about 15 years ago. That teaching, her books, and her passion continue to inspire me as a speaker and author. She showed us what being your best and giving your best look like. Grateful to be among the multitude touched by her amazing life.
What a treasure was Florence! She helped me in so many ways when visiting one to one, as well as through her talks while she was our main sessions speaker at a conference our district women’s ministries hosted a number of years ago. She was an inspirational catapult to my speaking and writing career and I will be forever grateful. My eyes teared to know she is no longer here but my heart rejoices that she is now with a Jesus.
Marita, Lauren and Fred so sorry for your loss .
Florence was my guardian angel . She gave me hope when I didn’t have any . I learned so much from her . I adored her ! What a blessing she was !
Sending prayers to the family !
Much love, Kay Keeland💕🙏🙏🙏
Fell in love with your mom back in her Connecticut days and have walked with her through the years. I loved her Dare to Dream and Silver Boxes, then Personality Plus and Wired That Way. As I already shared with you … she is now the angel she has always been. God give you and your family His Peace.
Florence’s teaching had a huge impact on my life. The message was has been The glue that held our 50 year marriage together. Through storytelling she made the complex easy. She showed how uncomplicated it was to recall how best to relate to others. Her message has touched hearts all around the world. Her legacy lives on in those that learned under her Tutelage and will continue to influence well into the future.
Florence brought joy into every room she entered and comfort into every heart listening to her words. She has been my faithful friend and matchless mentor for decades! My library has her books, and I have recordings of her words of encouragement—she will keep on ministering to me! Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the gift of this amazing woman!
I’m saddened by your Moms passing Marita. As you know, CLASS and Personality Plus Training changed my life, both spiritually and intellectually. She inspired and motivated me to become a speaker and share the personalities to help understand themselves and others better. My family just spent time 6 days together, aging from 33-81 and we all commented that knowing each other’s personality has made all the difference in communicating and getting along. Thank you Florence for your powerful influence in my life and thank you Marita for giving her love and care these last years of her life. Jesus welcomed her home today.
Florence impacted my life.
She impacted my story. She was used by God to secure my path for what He had in store. He had plans for me that included CLASServices and Florence.
May those who have grown because of her ministry, rest in knowing, she is with Jesus. “Well done”, He said, “you are a good and faithful servant.”
I loved the Silver Box story and actually purchased little boxes with a bow and used to teach our Married Couples class and then give out boxes as their gift. I also used to share the story with various Realtors I worked with to keep us all humble and willing to help other new Realtors whenever possible. She had a special place in my heart and will forever remember her. Blessings to you and Florence’s family. Love to you all.
I heard Florence for the first time in 1985. It was the first time I learned I was a sanguine phlegmatic, this altered my life. All my friends and family were ambitious and I was not. But God made me special. I ended up teaching and doing some speaking at churches. I so greatful she shared her God given wisdom and gifts with all of us . My prayers are that God will be the ” friend that sticks closer than a brother”, for all of your family.
Florence had a global impact, and her teaching and presentations in Australia have had a wonderful and powerful impact. God bless all her family as you grieve, while delighting in the memories.
I first heard Florence at a women’s retreat. She was an amazing lady. I had just gone through a crisis and she was used by God to help me through it.
Im thinking of you all tonight at 1:59 am and am up praying for you all. Sending lots of love and hugs. Im so grateful for your mom’s mentorship and her love and passion to share her heart of love to share God’s word in such a way we all felt so encouraged being in her presence when we walked out hearing her or with her written words as well. Thank you for sharing your precious precious mom w/ all of us as well. The kind way with her words was filled with Discipleship that influenced us to become better disciples ourselves to then us what we learned from her to impact our circles of influence like she did ours 🙂 . My love and prayers are with you all tonight.
The very first CLASS training I took ( in Lake Arrowhead, CA) I was four hours late for the first session ( due to being given incomplete directions ).
I got there just as everyone was at lunch.
Marita and Lauren invited me to sit at their table… and to my surprise ( and nervousness) who else was there? Florence!
I believe I was the only male at the table and I sat and listened as Florence told stories and had us all laughing.
Later I has the opportunity to ask her a question. I was concerned over possible future criticism for the kind of work I felt called to do. So I asked Florence “How do you deal with criticism?”
She just looked at me and said “ I don’t. I’m too busy helping people” 😊❤️
It took me a few years to fully grasp what she was saying… but it has stayed with me ever since.
The other significant moment for me was at a CLASS reunion a few years later. I had a moment to share with Florence that since taking my first class with her I had started my own business and was now a corporate trainer facilitating leadership classes for companies.
Florence grabbed my hands , looked me in the eyes and said “I am so, so proud of you!”
That so touched my heart and I felt like I had done one of my teachers and mentors proud.
Love you Florence .
Thank you for all you pored into me and so many!❤️❤️
I posted a tribute to the AMAZING Florence on my social media, and will share it here too with a big THANK YOU to the Litteaur kids- thanks for sharing your parents with the world. It is a sacrifice and many of us are eternally grateful for the gift you all gave to support Florence and Fred in their calling.
My memories: Heaven gained a GIFTED communicator for Christ today,.
Florence Chapman Littauer took me and Bill under her wing early in our writing and speaking career. Before book 1 released, Pure Pleasure: Making Your MARRIAGE a Great Affair, we went thru her AMAZING C.L.A.S.S. training. But she KEPT giving to us, tips to look better, speak better, connect better (Bill will ALWAYS wear long sleeve shirt under his suit jackets- a Florence tip she gave to him on the floor of ICRS 😃) She extended her platform & influence to share it with us, she recommended us to MANY churches those early years especially. She called us her spiritual kids. And her precious husband Fred, gave my hubby so many tips on the privilege (and skills) on walking alongside a gifted (A.K.A. strong, driven Type A) wife. [Bless you, Fred!] We will always be grateful for Florence and Fred. I picture her dancing with Fred in a BIG glitzy SILVER crown, both hearing from their Savior “WELL DONE my good and faithful servants” Her daughter Marita, has so kindly posted her EPIC signiture talk, Silver Boxes, (see post below) If you have never listened– you MUST– I cry EVERY TIME I listen– tears of INSPIRATION! Thank you Florence ❤❤❤
We are praying blessings on you and your family especially at this time. Florence was such a great encourager and inspiration to me especially while I was on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. I learned so much from that lady I really loved her she is unforgettable. We pray comfort and strength for you all.
Much love Helen Rawls
Dear Marita and family,
Florence was a fabulous spokeswoman for God. I feel privileged to have known Florence and Fred while we all served with Cru/Campus Crusade in San Bernardino, CA. (Marita, I got to know you a little when you worked at your parents’ restaurant!) She ministered to me through her messages and her Personality Plus teaching, and I especially loved her Silver Boxes book as well as her life story, Behind the Personality. I attended the speaker track at the CLASS Seminar in Orlando in early 2000. That training helped equip and prepare me for my current ministry as an author and speaker. I’ll never forget Florence’s heart for God and for people and her humor. I’m praying for all of you as you praise God for her life-changing ministry while experiencing the temporary separation from her.
Florence was a true inspiration to me when I was on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. Until my retirement five years ago, I traveled, trained and spoke as a corporate trainer and Personalities was always in my presentations somewhere. She was a life encourager, a spark of enthusiasm and a support for all who she came into contact…I loved those days at Arrowhead Springs but particularly because I had the opportunity to be in her presence.
I remember your mom and her gift of speaking and encouraging people. I can still recall many of her illustrations.. your mother was used greatly by the Lord. Throughout the years I have thought of her. Thank you for sharing with us. I am sorry for your family. Moms are always missed no matter what their their age. Blessings to your family.
What a wonderful woman that has changed so many lives, saved so many relationships. I am an avid believer in teaching and sharing her knowledge. I was so blessed to take the CLASSeminars and become an advanced personality trainer. God has blessed us all with Florence. Much love and prayers to the family.
Florence was a very special woman. She had a demanding presence and a true love of the Lord.
You left this world a much better place and I truly thank you for that. Sympathy & prayers for your family 🙏🏻🙏🏻🌹🌹
Remembering Florence from a women’s conference at the Crystal Cathedral several years ago, her personalities & Silver Boxes. She was a blessing to many!!
To God Be The Glory Forevermore!
Philippians 1:20-21
Philippians 4:4-7, 12, 19
“TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOREVERMORE!”
Philippians 1:20-21
Philippians 4:4-7, 12, & 19
On behalf of the OBIEN FAMILIES.
FRANK & ROSIE MARIE OBIEN
YABO & JERALDINE OBIEN
ERMIE OBIEN (& THE LATE DONNA OBIEN, March 25, 2020)
Marita and Lauren: Hearing this morning of dear Florence’s promotion to her Heavenly Home has left me with a mixture of feelings and emotions and memories.
First, Grateful that I was blessed to get to know her and benefit from her teaching and grateful to call her a friend.
Answering God’s call in 1980, four Christian women friends here in Walnut Creek, Ca. Set out to organize Ca. women’s Retreat. AND Florence was our first plenary speaker.
Our first Retreat was wonderful and
Florence was so Well Received, that we asked her to return the following year and our attendance doubled. Our women here loved Florence so very much and in fact she returned 5 times (not in a row) and every time record attendance awaited her
Inspiring messages, her popular teaching
On personality plus and of course her great gift of humor. I am sorry I didn’t keep in better touch with you and Florence as over and over women would want news of Florence
. Our founder. Oralyn Denison
lost her life in a tragic accident only 3 years after we began Retreat. God graciously helped us continue , and in Feb. 2020 this year we celebrated 40 years of God’s faithfulness to Ca. women’s Retreat
and that was our final Retreat!
Please know that Florence leaves behind a huge legacy here in our area of California and many other places in which she ministered, I am sure. Lessons learned never to be forgotten, women who gave their lives to Jesus Christ because Florence came to
Ca. Women’s Retreat! Thank you, We send our Love and Prayers for God’s Blessings & His Peace to you both and to all who grieve
Our loss,
Many years ago, when I heard Florence over KHCB radio station here in Houston, I was so impressed! The next day I was leaving for a speaking engagement at Crown College in Minnesota. As soon as I arrived on campus, I went to the bookstore, and there I found her book, Silver Boxes: Gifts of Encouragement. That evening I revised the presentation I was going to give to the students who were in teacher education. I have used her many Illustrations in my work with teachers in the school district and other areas… Always showing the book and handing out little silver boxes with bows on top to the participants. She was a blessing… And I’m reminded of her every day as throughout my house I have a little silver boxes with
bows on top to remind me to watch my words! Thank you, Florence, for your faithfulness to the Lord!
On the weekend we learned of the passing of a true legend in her field.
A pioneer in the field of personality profiling long before Myers Briggs, DISC and a myriad of others.
Many years ago, thanks to Daryl and (recently passed) Trish Lloyd from Brisbane Australia, our global sales team had the good fortune to spend a couple of days with this trailer blazer in her field of understanding how people are wired.
We were eternally grateful for her teachings which made us all better husbands, fathers, leaders of people, business owners, professionals, corporate citizens and frankly better people in understanding how we are all wired and complementing each other to make us whole.
For me personally, next week my wife & I will celebrate our 30th Wedding Anniversary of which for your famous Silver Boxes story we will always be indebted to you Florence.
Our condolences Marita to you and your family.
Your mother was a remarkable lady and we here on the other side of the globe celebrate her life.
Those that pass the torch get the light.
God Speed