Mother Elice Lightfoot

Elice Lightfoot, affectionately known as “Safi”, was born to the loving parents, Myron and Selth Henderson Sr. in Paris, Texas on August 13, 1933.

She attended the Powderly School System until the sudden passing of her father required her to leave school to help her family. It was Elice’s strong will and determination to have a better life that initiated the family’s move to Topeka, Kansas when she was just 17 years old. She later met and married Sgt. Wilburt Lightfoot, who was serving in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Topeka, Kansas.The couple settled in Columbus, Ohio in 1956. To that union, a beautiful daughter, Linda Kay Lightfoot was born. They shared 29 happy years of marriage until Wilburt’s passing in 1982.

Mother Lightfoot became a steadfast member of the Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Church, now Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies in 1981. Under the tutelage of Bishop Sherman S. Watkins, she served faithfully in several ministries. She loved her church family, especially the little children. Mother Lightfoot was very proud and honored to be appointed to the Mother’s Board Ministry on Mother’s Day 2003 where she ultimately rose to the position of Vice President. She worshiped at Higher Ground selflessly doing her best to please the Lord until her health prevented her from attending.

Elice departed this life to begin her new life with Christ on December 24, 2023. She transitioned peacefully with her loving daughter Linda sitting beside her bed, holding her hand and praying over her. She was a strong Christian woman and kept the faith through it all while waiting on the Lord.

Elice was preceded in death by her husband, Wilburt Lightfoot; her parents, and three brothers, Selth Henderson Jr., Thomas Henderson and Eddie Saunders.

Elice leaves to cherish fond memories, daughter, Linda Lightfoot; sisters: Lillie Hooks, Ida Faye Braye and Reda Bradley; brothers. Leodis Henderson, Atrel (Lisa) Henderson; special sisters-in-law (whom she loved as sisters), Pearlie Bourne, Noreno Bailey, Pam Henderson and Margaret Henderson; nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and a host of dear friends.

Visitation 9:00 AM and Funeral Service 10:00 AM Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies,870 St. Clair Ave. Interment at Union Cemetery Association. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH, 2500 Cleveland Ave. To read the complete obituary, order flowers, view video tribute and offer condolences to the Lightfoot Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com