Theresa E. Elzie, 85

CAMDEN - Theresa E. Elzie of Camden departed this life at Capital Nursing Home, Dover, on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007. She was 85.

Theresa was the daughter of the late Rev. Maurice and Georgia Mae Anderson. She was born Sept. 22, 1921, in Ossining, N.Y.

She graduated from Delaware State College High School at the age of 16, and later attended Delaware State College as a college student.

Theresa was married to the late Samuel B. Elzie Sr. for over 60 years, and to this union three sons were born.

Her varied careers included positions at the Frankford Arsenal in Philadelphia, the seafood industry in Crisfield, Md., Playtex Industries in Dover, educator for the Capital and Caesar Rodney school districts, a real estate agent for Red Carpet Realty, a U.S. census taker and a sales associate at Sears in Dover.

Theresa was actively involved in many community service programs, which included Head Start, 4H club, the tutoring program at Delaware State College, Parent Teacher"s Association, AmeriCorp, Boy Scouts of America, Community Action of Camden and Community Partnership Program Advisory Board. She was a charter member and past president of Zeta Amicae of Dover. For her service, she received numerous awards and acknowledgements.

Theresa was a member of Whatcoat United Methodist Church for over 50 years. She served in many capacities, namely Sunday school teacher, parent-helper for cherub choir, organizer and sponsor of church bus excursions, Summer Day Camp Advisory Board, Active Adults founding member, Trustee Board, United Methodist Women, Chancel Choir, Administrative Board and Communion Steward. Her song of faith must have truly been, "Oh How I Love Jesus, Because He First Loved Me."

Theresa enjoyed people. She was an avid reader, a seamstress and an excellent cook. She loved to crochet, coordinate fashion shows and acted in plays with the Blackburns.

She leaves fond memories with her three sons, Samuel Jr. and his wife Edith of San Diego, Kevin and his wife Joyce of Camden, and Drew and his wife Thereasa of Atlanta. Theresa is also survived by seven grandchildren, Kelly, Evan, Kevilyn, Jocelyn, Ellis, Kiesha and Kayla; two great-grandchildren, Jabari and Ryan; one sister-in-law, Bernice Anderson; one brother-in-law, Dr. Charles Mathes; Mr. and Mrs. John Morton; many special friends, Lola Tue, Lucille Yelverton, Geraldine Jones, Althea Armstrong and Clementine Keys; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Whatcoat United Methodist Church, Dover, where friends may view two hours prior. Burial will be in Sharon Hills Cemetery, Dover.

Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.