Dr. Jacquelyne W. “Jaki” Gorum, a beloved professor at Delaware State University who touched many lives, passed away August 3. Gorum retired from Del State as the Dean of Professional Studies. Gorum lost her courageous battle of cancer at the age of 86.
Born July 20, 1939, Gorum was the daughter of John Wallace and Evelyn Weekes Wallace in Camden, New Jersey. However, she was raised in a home on Muriel Avenue in Pitman, New Jersey. One of four children which included Shirley, Sylvia and John, Gorum was the youngest of the three girls.
An avid reader, Gorum spent summers at Camp Atwater in Massachusetts where she developed lifelong friendships with Mary Ann Wimer, who introduced her to Nancy Kirby and Judy Gordon. Known as “Jackie” when she was younger, Gorum changed it to “Jaki” later in life. Friends and family say she “radiated joy, energy and a zest for life that touched every heart she came in contact with.”
Many will remember her infectious laugh and gregarious spirit. At Pitman High School she served on student council, joined the typing club, cheered from the sidelines, sang in the girls’ chorus, special choir and trios. Whether on the field or in the stands, Gorum was devoted to football and tennis, a devotion she carried into her later years.
Gorum attended Bradley University before transferring to The Ohio State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in social work in 1961. She was initiated into the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Epsilon Chapter on April 25, 1959, pinned by her beloved sister, Sylva, beginning a lifelong devotion to sisterhood, service and excellence. She earned a master’s degree from the University of Denver and her doctorate from Howard University.
Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s call to serve when he said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” Gorum joined the very first group of Peace Corps volunteers in 1961. She trained at Notre Dame under the guidance of President Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh before embarking on a transformative journey to rural Chile. Gorum was one of the first 100 Americans and the first black woman to serve in the Peace Corps, giving her a lifelong love of travel and deep connection with people from all walks of life.
While in Chile, she met Wendell J. Gorum, a meeting she said was guided by God’s hand as Wendell was slated to go to Africa, but destiny brought him to South America and their paths crossed. Gorum returned to the United States to pursue her graduate studies in Denver while Wendell attended Syracuse University but love soon brought them together again and they were married November 24, 1964, in Denver.
Over the years, the couple matriculated and taught at various universities including Stanford, Moorehead State, Penn State, Jackson State, Dartmouth, Howard and Stony Brook. Gorum said she found her heart when she took a position at Delaware State University, rising from a classroom professor to administration.
She and Wendell welcomed three sons, Joseph “Jay,” Guy and Marc. She was a devoted and nurturing mother, patient, encouraging and steadfast, always inspiring her children to pursue their dreams and serve their communities.
Once settled in Dover, Gorum became a devoted member of Christ Episcopal Church where her faith and service continued to shine. She had an amazing gift for making people feel seen, valued and capable of more than they imagined. The only thing matched by her unshakeable belief in education was her boundless love for family and community. Her leadership left an indelible mark on the university and on generations of young people whose lives she touched.
Her family stated that though their hearts are heavy, they celebrate a life beautifully lived, one with purpose, love and service.
Gorum was preceded in death by her loving husband, Wendell, her parents, John and Evelyn Wallace; her son, Guy and brothers-in-law, Charles Slayton, Harry Richardson and Edward Bond.
She is survived by her sons W. Joseph (Marie) Gorum II and Marc E. (Renita) Gorum; grandchildren, Marc II; Victoria, Olivia, Joseph Gorum, Ronald Benjamin; Skye and Caden Minors; and Naeem Ibrahim. Her sisters, Shirly Stayton and Sylvia Richardson along with her brother, John Wallace, Jr. also survive her. Other survivors include sisters-in-law, Diane Smith, Cathy (Richard) Austin; and Rita Bond as well as a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation was held Saturday, August 16 with burial on Monday August 18 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Sewell, New Jersey
“Her light will forever guide those who knew her and her legacy of service, wisdom and unconditional love will live on in the countless lives she touched.”
