DOVER - Elsie Mae Henderson Pettyjohn(affectionately known as Mama), passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, at the home of her daughter in Dover. Born September 12, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Oscar and Alice (Brooks) Henderson. Elsie accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age. She attended church at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Kinsdale,Va., Graham A.M.E. Church, Greenwood and was a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, Bridgeville, where she sang on the Senior Choir. She was most recently affiliated with Center of Faith COGIC, Dover. Elsie's favorite saying was "Father I stretch my hands to thee, there is no other help I know; if thy withdraw thy self from me wither shall I go" and "Lord Have Mercy". Elsie attended grade school at Hackett Hill, Kinsale,Va. and later moved to Greenwood, De. where she completed her education. Elsie was employed in the Cannery Industries in Greenwood, Houston, and Milton, Del.,during an era that those industries thrived. She also was employed at the Thomas Collins Building, in Dover where she was well loved by many in the State of Delaware Finance Department. She retired in 2008. Elsie loved public speaking where she was extremely gifted and loved to speak abouther speaking engagement for the Late Governor Elbert Carvel,when she was in school. She also loved sports and participated in pole vaulting and discus throwing during her school years. She was an avid reader and loved to share stories with her children, grandchildren, and friends. She was a gourmet cook and loved to teach others. Another one of her passions was going to yard sales. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Lemue Pettyjohn; daughter, Sharon Pettyjohn; son, Maurice Pettyjohn; and her sister- Gertrude Henderson. She leaves to cherish her memory, her three daughters; Mary Pettyjohn, of Dover, Charletta P. Johnson, & her husband,Sylvester, of Bear and Lavelda Pettyjohn, of Dover; two sons, Gary Pettyjohn, of Dover and Carlos Pettyjohn, of Felton. Survivors also include 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great- grandchildren; 3 aunts; as well as a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; and friends. Funeral Services will be held 12 p.m. Monday, August 6, 2012, from the Beacon Lighthouse Church, 1349 Dinahs Corner Road, Dover, DE., where family and friends may visit from 10 a.m. to 12p.m. Burial will follow in Milford Community Cemetery, Milford. Contributions may be made in her memory, to the charitable fund of Vitas Hospice, 100 Commerce Drive, Suite 302, Newark,DE 19713. Letters of condolences can be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.