Jewish Family Services of Delaware
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of beloved JFS staff member, Jennevive Newman.
Jennevive Irene Naa Oboshie Newman (1988–2025) was born in Ghana, West Africa. She is survived by Dad, Bishop Eleazer Newman; Mom, Vivian Newman; and Brothers, Winston Newman and Emmanuel Newman.
Jennevive earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Ghana in 2012, a master of arts in development studies from Erasmus University Rotterdam in 2017 and a master’s degree in social work from Delaware State University in 2021.
Jennevive worked at Jewish Family Services of Delaware for six years, starting out as an intern and working her way up to become the Director of our Refugee Integration Support Effort (RISE) program. She advocated and supported vulnerable populations, including refugees, mothers, and children.
She led and supported the JFS refugee team, who worked with thousands of refugees from over 25 countries. This past September, Jennevive was recognized on Delaware Business Times’ “40 Under 40” list, due to the international refugee advocacy work she was involved in. Delaware Business Times’ “40 Under 40” recognizes outstanding young professionals who are making a name for themselves through innovative ideas, business excellence, and community involvement.
“A bright life has left us,” said JFS CEO Renna Van Oot. “We will forever remember Jennevive Newman, Director of the RISE Program and so much more. A mentor, a friend, a sister, and a kind, humble, and patient leader. A brilliant thinker and passionate provider of service to those in need. All of us are sending love to Jennevive’s family, the RISE Team, and to those who were close to her. May her memory be a blessing.”
Along with her passionate leadership through the JFS RISE Program, Jennevive also volunteered at her local church in various capacities, including its children’s ministry by teaching Sunday school classes. She also worked with her church in her home Ghanaian community, providing a mentorship program for teenagers that focused on teenage girls.
Jennevive was a strong woman of faith. She loved to travel and was on her 14th country. She was a loving daughter, sister, leader, friend, and most importantly, a child of G-d. Though our hearts are heavy, we find peace knowing that she is resting in the loving embrace of G-d, where her unwavering faith has led her.
One of Jennevive’s favorite verses in Scripture was Proverbs 3:5–6, which says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
We asked Jennevive’s co-workers to describe her using a word or phrase. Here is what they said: quiet strength, intelligent, mentor, patient, beautiful smile, positive, light, joyful, calming, kept things together, unflappable, passionate, committed—went above and beyond for every refugee, humble, took things with grace and in stride, twinkle in her eye, listened deeply, encouraging, virtuous, advocate, and compassionate.
We will miss you, Jennevive.
“An angel has found her wings and the heavens are rejoicing”
