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
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We will truly miss Aunt Arlene, as your Cleveland family called you. You and cousin Linda always made us feel more than welcomed when we arrived to your home to stay for a weekend! We’ll always remember the all night card and board games, plenty of food, the comical talks, and plenty of laughs. There was always plenty of breakfast foods to prepare in the morning, even though you didn’t care for breakfast food. I’ll never forget the time Aunt Rudene put anointing oil on Kayleigh’s forehead and we all joined in prayer that Kayleigh would sleep at night, so I could get some rest! Then the time Bailey “drove” to your house! We’ll always remember the family gatherings at your home, all the food you prepared, and the hospitality every Labor Day weekend to celebrate Aunt Pearl’s birthday.
We’ll check in on cousin Linda for you, who took such good care of you until you departed this life. God blessed you with an exceptional daughter! Rest well Mother Lightfoot as your work here is done, and done well. We miss you for now, but will see you again. Hug Uncle Wilbur for us.
Love always,
Your nieces and nephew from Cleveland – Angie, Mike, Bailey, and Kayleigh Bryant
I will going to miss Mother Lightfoot. I will miss her when we talk at church.
I love her too.
Condolences To The Lightfoot Family Mother Elise Lightfoot will be missed she had a very unique personality she could definitely make you laugh. ❤️❤️
Linda and family, I extend my love, prayers, and condolences as you celebrate the Love, Life, Labor, and now the Legacy of Elice.
Linda, we are sending our condolences, prayers and love to you. Your mom will be greatly missed. Stay strong and know that we are here for you. ❤️❤️
Love and peace,
Delores and Kenny
Linda, may the Comforting Power of Gods Precious Holy Spirt rest upon your heart in these difficult days. Romans 12:13 described your Mom as one “given to Hospitality” and we are so glad to have been apart of that Blessing. Our Prayers are with you. We love you today and to life ❤️
Linda, My sincere condolences to you and the family. May the Lord God comfort you and give you peace as only he can give and give you strength for the days ahead. Uplifting the family in prayer.
Mother Elise Lightfoot you will always be in our memories and our hearts. One of a kind, beautiful, loving woman of God. You always made our family feel like family. Valeria, Tony, Asia, and Zachary, will never forget your kindness to us. Rest well mother.