Janice Robinson Newborn
Janice Newborn, longtime staff in general church ministries and originator of the Disciples Women’s Woman-to-Woman program, passed away April 21, 2020, in Claremont, CA, at the age of 91. She was the spouse of the Rev. Ernest J. Newborn, Sr., who passed away in November of 2019.
Executive Director of Disciples Women. Rev. Dr. Patricia Donahoo, said, “Janice Newborn was instrumental in creating the Woman-to-Woman Worldwide program of Disciples Women. This program has expanded the worldview of women for the last 30 years by creating opportunities to learn from women of faith in other countries. Not only do women learn first-hand the struggles of our sisters but also provides the opportunity to work with Global Ministries in sharing and publicizing the programs serving our sisters in those countries. The work of Disciples Women is indebted to her leadership.”
During her career with the Church, Newborn worked in the Indianapolis offices of the Division of Overseas Ministries, Disciples Women and Disciples Home Missions, retiring in 1994. She was featured in Melvia Fields’ book, Women on a Mission about African-American women in the Disciples of Christ. Her biography was also featured in a video series – Wisdom of Women, Volume 2 – produced by Disciples Women.
Acting President of Disciples Home Missions, Rev. Sheila Spencer, said, “Janice Newborn was a treasured mentor and trusted source of wisdom. Throughout her life and ministry, she has sown encouragement into the lives of so many of us. I am especially thankful for her ministry and work within Disciples Women and Disciples Home Missions. She was a true gift and I am forever grateful.”
Newborn leaves behind two children, Ernest J. Newborn II and Mary Jo Newborn Wiggins, their spouses and several grandchildren.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time though a memorial service is being planned in Claremont this summer. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Newborn’s name be made to the Christian Church Foundation for the Ernest J. and Janice Newborn Fund. Online gifts may be made at christianchurchfoundation.org/give.
Messages of sympathy may be sent to
Ernest Newborn II
68 Chelsea Place
Ridgefield, CT 06877
and
Mary Jo Wiggins
12195 Darkwood Road
San Diego, CA 92129