Jeffrey Arden Somerville

NEWARK - Jeffrey Arden Somerville, 50, passed away Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at The Terrace at Newark.

Jeffrey was born February 25, 1975 in Greenville, S.C., the son of Barry M. and Bette J. VanIten Somerville. Jeffrey lived with cognitive and physical disabilities discovered over the first year of his life. But despite his afflictions he manifested a cheerful disposition. He was happy doing minimal tasks that most would consider extremely boring. He could not speak but recognized you by sight and expressed himself in various looks and sounds. He enjoyed riding in a car and learned the route of many destinations and would let you know in no uncertain terms if you weren't going where he thought he was supposed to be going. He could travel for hours with no complaints going to visit his grandparents. In his later years he found great pleasure in watching his nieces and nephews play and interact around him during his home visits.

Jeffrey was tough and resilient as well. Who knows the pain he suffered from cerebral palsy and the many adaptations necessary to maintain his quality of life. He soldiered through many bouts of pneumonia and hospitalizations.

For the last 21 years he has lived with other disabled friends at 101 Cobblestone Terrace in Newark. He enjoyed going to day program and the many people who helped him over the years. He also enjoyed the Friday overnight visits with his family.

But the time came when his weakened body started to give out. We praise God that he gave us far more years than expected with him. He was not a burden to his family but a joy. He is now with the Lord experiencing a freedom of thought, movement and spirituality that escaped him while on earth.

He will be greatly missed by his mom and dad, Barry and Bette Somerville; his sister Jennifer and brother-in-law Eric Shives; and his brother Ryan and sister-in-law Catherine Somerville and their families. He is survived by many nieces; Aryn, Cathryn, Elly, Sapphire, Faith, Salem, Eliya, and Sophie and his nephews; Jeffrey, Jack, and Jadon as well as cousins, aunts and uncles.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the staff at 101 Cobblestone Terrace for their loving and exceptional care over the twenty-one years Jeffrey lived in the group home.

A private committal service was held in Mt. Green Cemetery, Romulus, N.Y. In lieu of flowers a donation may be sent to Finger Lakes Baptist Church, 1000 Yale Station Road, Geneva, N.Y. 14456. In turn, all gifts will be forwarded to Joni & Friends for children with special needs.

Condolences and remembrances may be sent to www.coegenungfuneralhome.com.