Otas Cephas

Otas Edward Cephas was born on Tuesday, March 25, 1941 to the late John Cephas and Bertie Cannon Cephas. He peacefully entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Beebe Medical Center, surrounded by loved ones. Otas attended William C. Jason Comprehensive High School in Georgetown, Delaware. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Armed Forces. Upon his return from active duty, he attended Delaware Technical and Community College. For over 39 years, Otas served as a Police Officer in the Seaford and Greenwood communities. He retired as a Sergeant from the Seaford Police Department. He later retired as the Chief of Police from the Greenwood Police Department. After his retirement, he went to work as a transportation specialist for DART and Hayes Transportation Company in Seaford, Delaware. Otas was married for 29 years to his wife, Helen Bull. They loved traveling together. His hobbies were race cars, photography and was a self-taught mechanic. In his leisure time, he enjoyed listening to Jimmy Swaggart. Otas was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bertie Cephas, one sister, Ida Cannon; six brothers: William Cannon, Walter Cannon, Alphonso Cannon, Eldridge Cephas, Harlan W. Cephas, Clarence Cephas and his father-in-law, Linwood “Duke” Wise. He leaves to cherish his loving memory, his devoted wife and caretaker, Helen Bull Cephas of Seaford, Delaware, four daughters: Otisia (Emory) Howell of Houston, Delaware; Ovon (Aubrey) Jernigan of Seaford, Delaware, Otasia Cephas of Wilmington, Delaware and Tina (Theo) Jones of Smyrna, Delaware; two sons, Otas E. Cephas, Jr. of Seaford, Delaware and Tim (Yvonne) Bull of New Castle, Delaware; 12 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; one sister Alberta Waples of Seaford, Delaware and one brother, John L. Cephas of Tampa, Florida; his special friends Stan and Judy Hardesty; his adopted grandchildren Christopher and Krystal Robinson-Strickland; his mother-in-law, Helen Wise for whom he helped to care for, his spiritual friend, Rev. Annie Custis to whom he referred as Captain Custis; father-in-law Robert Bull; one brother-in-law, Bobby (Sarah) Bull of Dagsboro, Delaware, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Otas Cephas, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Otas Cephas

March 25, 1941 - December 29, 2015