Jewell Marie Schaefer passed away in the early morning of July 7, 2026. Her passing was due to complications from multiple illnesses.

Jewell Marie Schaefer medically retired from early childhood education with the Newport News Public school system. She held her Masters in early childhood education. She was always full of life and ready to talk the day away. She loved both people and in particular her students. Her career filled her with stories she fondly remembered for the rest of her life.

She loved her family, and her friends and was especially proud of her granddaughters. Her granddaughters were her source of pride and joy until her passing. She would fondly tell her nurses stories of them to the point where when we walked in they could almost recite their name , ages, and generally have a good laugh telling us she has made sure the staff knew all about them. This also applied to every hospital she had been to. Jewell Marie Schaefer attended Carrollton Holiness Church when her health allowed her and loved her times in the church.

Jewell Marie Schaefer was survived by her son, Jake Hanbury and spouse, Maggie; three grandaughters , Khloe Loyd, Evelyn Hanbury, and Sophia Hanbury; brother, Randy Schaefer and wife, Valerie and their children, David and Heather. Sister, Karla Jerrils and husband, Erwin; and her two daughters, Rebecca and Elizabeth. Sister, Kendra Roberts and husband Joe, as well as their children Tony and Gaviana.

A memorial service will be at 11 AM on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.