ELLA MAE HANDY's Obituary
Ella Mae Handy 96, of Selbyville, Delaware fell asleep in Jesus on Friday, August 28, 2015 surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on January 23, 1919 in Snow Hill, Maryland to the late Authur and Sarah Jane Johnson Powell. Ella Mae was educated within the Sussex County public school system. In 1936 she was united in holy matrimony and became a devoted wife to the late Joshua James Handy, Sr. In this union they were blessed with thirteen children. Siblings Sarah and Herbert preceded them in death.
Ella Mae began the workforce making $1.50 a week, walking two and a half miles to wash and iron clothes. Helping to put bread on the table she also handpicked tomatoes, strawberries and blueberries before she went to work at the H&H Poultry (presently Mountaire Farms) afterwards in which she retired.
Having Accepted Christ, and her Christian education at the early age of 18, she became a faithful and dedicated member of Zoar United Methodist Church (formally Long's Chapel). Ella Mae served 78 faithful years in the auxiliaries of the National Women's Society, the Senior Choir, kitchen assistant, and Spiritual Advisor of the Friends and Family Gospel Choir until her health failed her.
Ella Mae's quiet and gentle spirit, exercised a strong faith in God. She was a woman who wasn't ashamed to glorify God and emphasized the importance of trusting Him! She lived her life doing all that she could do for others. The Handy home was a place where family and friends could congregate on any day, but mostly on Sunday afternoons for Sunday dinners and family fun.
Mom-Mom Ella Mae, affectionately called by many, enjoyed spending time with family, shopping trips, cooking and gardening. She loved flowers and often spoke these words "Give Me My Flowers While I Can Smell Them!" We thank God for giving the family this special jewel who has impacted our lives with wisdom, blessings and a heart to love unconditionally. She demonstrated the importance and true meaning of family and her legacy will continue as we live. In addition to her parents, husband and (2) children, she was preceded in death by (3) granddaughters, (4) siblings, (2) sisters in law, (2) brothers in law, and (2) daughters in law.
She leaves to cherish her memory (11) children: Daughters Delores Collins-Selbyville, DE; Marilyn (Gregory, Sr.) Cannon-Laurel, DE; Joshua, Jr. (Annie) and David Handy all of Frankford, DE; Lemuel (Annie), Herbert (Shirley) Handy, all of Selbyville, DE; George Handy of Linden Wall, NJ; Robert (Gloria) Handy of Selbyville, DE; Richard (Betty) Handy of Neptune, NJ; Larry (Van) Handy of Pocomoke, MD; and Wayne Handy and his companion Johnetta of Selbyville, DE. Three siblings: George (Mildred) Powell, Marcella Pitts both of Selbyville, DE; and Robert Powell of Chester, PA. (56) Grandchildren, (111) great-grandchildren, and (125) great-great grandchildren and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins extended family and friends.
A viewing and visitation will be held from 5 PM - 7 PM on Friday, September 4, 2015 at Zoar United Methodist Church in Selbyville, DE. A viewing and visitation will also be held from 11 AM - 1 PM on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at Calvary Pentecostal Church in Bishopville, MD. A Celebration of her Life will follow at 1 PM at Calvary. Burial will be held at Zoar Golden Acres immediately following her service.
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