The Rev. Dr. Dale Caldwell, lieutenant governor-elect of New Jersey, bid an emotional goodbye to his mother Grace Dungee Caldwell during a memorial service at Covenant United Methodist Church, where he serves as senior pastor. (Photo by Chuck O'Donnell/TAPintoNewBrunswick. Used by permission)
TAPinto New Brunswick | Nov.10, 2025
Updated November 11, 2025
PLAINFIELD – Lt. Gov.-elect Dr. Dale Caldwell was focused on the gubernatorial race since being picked in July by Mikie Sherrill to be her running mate.
On Sunday, it was a time for him to grieve.
Caldwell bid an emotional goodbye to his mother during a memorial service at Covenant United Methodist Church, where he serves as senior pastor.
Grace Estelle (Dungee) Caldwell, who died Oct. 7 in New Brunswick at 90, was recalled as a fashionable lady with a warm smile, a soft voice and a deep sense of faith that belied her exacting nature as a mother, grandmother and school teacher. She was the widow of the Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell, one of The United Methodist Church's most prominent advocates against racism and for LGBTQ+ acceptance.