Bessie Elizabeth Pendleton, 97

DOVER - Bessie Elizabeth Pendleton of Dover departed this life Monday, Dec. 24, 2007. She was 97.

She was born April 12, 1910, in Milton, the daughter of the late James and Malinda Vann.

Mrs. Pendleton attended schools in Milton, and graduated from Delaware State College, High School for colored students. She was united in marriage to the late Silas Pendleton Jr. on Oct. 30, 1933.

Mrs. Pendleton was very active in church and community activities.

She was a founding member of the Ladies Helping Hand Club at Mt. Zion, was a Cub Scout den mother for many years, hosted inner-city children from the Fresh Air Program, and was president of the Booker T. Washington Elementary School PTA.

At Mt. Zion, she was honored and proud to be mother of the church. She was also a Stewardess and member of the Missionary Society and Beautification Club.

Mrs. Pendleton is survived by: her three children, and one stepdaughter, Sylvia A. Pendleton and Cheryl E. Scott of Dover, Silas Pendleton III and his wife Almedia of Alpharetta, Ga. and Betty L. Hodges of Sommerset, N.J.; and one sister, Edna Harris of Dover; five grandchildren, Vonda Pendleton, Edward Scott, Katrese Scott, Shalina Pendleton, Tene Scott and Andrea Pendleton; and six great-grandchildren, Garland Jefferson, Vonel Jefferson, Kamilah Anderson, Michael A. Jones Jr., Yasmine Scott and, Kiara Scott.

Funeral services will be noon Saturday in the Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Queen and Fulton streets, Dover, where friends may call two hours prior.

Interment will be in the Gibbs Memorial Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.