December 12, 2020
Jennifer Dawn Gerhard Wightman, 37, of Dover died Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, in her home. Jennifer passed peacefully in her sleep due to a pulmonary embolism following a recent leg injury and COVID-19 diagnosis.
Jennifer was born March 12, 1983, in Dover to Randal T. and Laurie Betts Gerhard.
She was a devoted student and graduated from Cape Henlopen High School with full scholarships to the University of Delaware. She was the first in her family to attend college. Jennifer graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and sociology with a concentration in social welfare and also minored in music and women’s studies. Later, she earned her master of education in special education from Wilmington University, and was selected the 2016 Student Commencement Speaker for her leadership and dedication. Jennifer also held an advanced certification in At Risk Youth from Central Texas College.