In Memoriam: Wynetta Devore, 1929-2020

Wynetta Devore, professor emerita of social work at Syracuse University died on December 19, 2020 at the Bishop Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Syracuse, New York. She was 91 years old.

A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, Professor Devore was raised in Metuchen, New Jersey. She received her bachelor’s degree in 1951 from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Dr. Devore went on to earn a master’s degree in social work followed by a doctorate in education from Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Dr. Devore began her academic career at Kean University in Union, New Jersey. She then taught at Rutgers University before joining the faculty at Syracuse University’s School of Social Work in 1980. She taught courses such as Human Diversity, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, and Foundations of Social Work Practice.

Dr. Devore was the co-author of Ethnic Sensitive Social Work Practice (Pearson, 1981). The fifth edition of the book was published in 1998.

After retiring in 1999, Dr. Devore remained a vital presence on the Syracuse campus, giving occasional guest lectures and, among other things, serving as the keynote speaker for the School of Social Work’s 60th anniversary celebration in 2017.