152 Osborne Terrace, Newark, NJ 07112
Gloria Loretta Newsome was born on September 22, 1949, to the late Jesse D. Norris and Ruth Inez Smith near Jacksonville, Florida. She later relocated to Newark, New Jersey, where she grew up and attended the local school system. A bright, straight-A student and cheerleading captain at South Side High School, now Malcolm X Shabazz High School, Gloria entered college in Trinidad, Colorado, at just 16 years old. She later earned her degree in social work after attending Rutgers University in Newark, as well as a master's degree in theology.
Gloria devoted her life to service, both as a social worker and a servant of Jesus Christ. She was an ordained youth minister, evangelist, and pastor and assisted the pastor at Mount Sinai COGIC under the late Overseer John Roberts. As a talented organist and psalmist, she impacted churches citywide, including St. Paul's UFW, Holy Temple UFW, Tabernacle of Love, now Christ Church, LOJ, and Bible Temple. Her public service career in Newark spanned local preschools, The Arc, New Community Corporation, the Essex County Courthouse, DYFS and domestic violence services, and the State of New Jersey Welfare Division.
An extraordinary vocalist and organist, Gloria toured nationwide and appeared on multiple commercial recordings with the Banks Brothers, the Renaissance Ensemble, and Donnie Harper and the Voices of Tomorrow. Alongside her son, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by recording her debut album, HERE AT LAST, which is now streaming everywhere. Her voice lit up every room she entered.
Gloria was married to Daniel T. Newsome, and their union was blessed with three sons. Above all, Gloria cherished her sons and grandchildren. Even during seasons when she raised her sons on her own, she guided them to become college graduates, homeowners, and business owners dedicated to community service. She exemplified the virtues of a Proverbs 31 woman, and her children rise up and call her blessed.
Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Thomas Newsome, and her parents.
She leaves a rich legacy through her grateful sons, Kyle, Samar, and Jamil; daughters-in-law, Taheerah, Salisha, and Victoria; and grandchildren, Izaiah, Elii, Noeah, Riley, Taylor, and Marley. She is survived by her siblings, Nadje Samad (Patricia), Assima Cromartie (Anthony), Fred Smith (Prudence), Sharon Smith, and John Roberts (Irene); brothers- and sisters-in-law, Yvette and David Newsome, both deceased, Adrienne Clark (Larry), and Felicia Newsome; bonus brother and sister, Edward Roberts and Edwina Lebron; a host of nieces and nephews; godchildren, Corema, Andrew, Miko, and Kenyetta; lifelong friends, Florence Plummer and Marion Moore (Libby); and special sons, Carl, Dashawn, Greg, Julian, and Anyanwu.
Known affectionately to all as “Mamma New,” her impact reaches far beyond her family, and she will be sorely missed by all.
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