Elsie Cephas (Mae)

On March 19, 1925, Elsie Mae Young Cephas was the third child born to the late Robert C. and Annie Dell Young in Slaughter Neck, Delaware and after 93 years, she departed this life on Wednesday, October 10, 2018. Elsie received her early education at Slaughter Neck Elementary School, which was one of many schools built for Blacks from 1922 to 1925. Elsie pursued her college degree and graduated in 1947, from Delaware State College, known today as Delaware State University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She began teaching at Ellendale Colored School 195C. Each school was given a number, and schools for Blacks were also given the letter C, the designation for colored. After the desegregation of the school, she continued teaching at Ellendale School 125, Houston Elementary and Lakeview Elementary and then retired in July of 1981, after 33 years of service. Elsie married Fred G. Cephas, Sr., whom she affectionately called “Freddy”, in March of 1968. They were married 25 years before his death in 1993. Elsie was a lifelong member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, whereby she displayed her love for the church in the following roles: Senior Choir Member, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Coordinator, Finance Committee Member, and she was also involved in the Bible study group. Elsie displayed her love for the community through her efforts with Slaughter Neck Community Action and comforting individuals who were in the hospital or nursing home, to demonstrate that someone cared about their well-being. In addition, Elsie was a very loving person and showed compassion for others. She was also a great inspiration for others. She demonstrated this through the love for her family and friends through teaching them about the Bible and the love of Jesus Christ. She was a caregiver to her mother, father and brother and also helped her mother in caring for two grandchildren. Elsie was preceded in death by her mother, Annie D. Young Frazier; father, Robert C. Young; husband, Fred G. Cephas, Sr.; two brothers, Robert A. Young and John “Buck” Young; niece, Ada “Sis” Ellen Smith; step-children, June Walker, Jon Cephas, Fred Cephas Jr., Diane Cephas and Timothy Cephas; two step-grandchildren Elliot Cephas and Keith Walker. She leaves to cherish her memory, her four nieces, Evalynn Brunswick, Peggi Young Hudson (Lawrence), Barbarette Young Henry (Parish), and Jacqueline Young; one special great niece, Stacey Stevens; four nephews, Robert Young (Velma), Gonzelous Young, Sr., Lamont Young (Venita), and Neville Houston; one sister-in-law, Thorris Brown; two step children, Sandra Taylor (Greg) and Catherine Cephas; 22 step-grandchildren; numerous step-great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. To send flowers to the family of Elsie Cephas (Mae), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Elsie Cephas (Mae)

March 19, 1925 - October 10, 2018