Margaret Cephas

Our esteemed Mother Margaret Cephas, received a call that she could no longer refuse. On September 14, 2021, she departed this life in preparation to transition to her new home; the home she has been building upon for over 70 years; the home that she declared was not made by natural hands. The Lord allowed her to be a warrior on this earth for 96 years.   

Mother Cephas was born to the late Rosie Lee Major Cornish and Anthony William Cornish on April 2, 1925 in Cambridge, MD. Mother Cephas attended Pine Street Elementary school and eventually transitioned into the work world as a teenager. She worked diligently to help support her family--often times at her own expense. Nothing could break her will and it was at one of those jobs that she met a group of peculiar people that intrigued her interest in the Lord. Their witness was so great that she began joining them in prayer during lunch breaks and eventually went to bible studies with them. This introduction was pivotal in her journey to becoming one of the greatest members in the body of Christ.

Mother Cephas met and married Robert Abraham Cephas and she became a widow after being his devoted wife for 52 years. They had many children together, but God only saw fit for 3 of their 11 children to survive: Darlene Saunders (Andy), Bishop Charles Cephas (Doretha) and Tomeka Crawford, her miracle child.

She always boasted that her greatest accomplishment was when she surrendered her will to that of Jesus Christ when she was in her early 20’s. Mother Cephas fully accepted Jesus as her Lord and personal savior through repentance, baptism and being filled with the Holy Ghost at Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. She lived a life of holiness in public and behind closed doors. Her loins were girt about with truth, she wore the breastplate of righteousness, her feet were shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, she covered her head with the helmet of salvation, she held the shield of faith in one hand the sword of the spirit in another.  Mother Cephas was blessed with a revolutionary anointing and the gift of prophecy. She lived fully equipped and ready for battle. Mother Cephas brought many souls to Christ. She relentlessly taught & stood on the word of God while crying loud and sparing not! She never feared faces nor minced her words. It was Jesus and Holiness without excuses.

Mother Cephas was a co-founder of two churches that she held dear to her heart. The New Jerusalem Church of God under the leadership of the late Bishop Clarence Cornish and Full Gospel Church of God of Denton and Hurlock, MD. Mother Cephas served as the National Mother at Greater Full Gospel Church of God, under the leadership of her pastor Bishop Charles Cephas, Sr. where she served as the president of the usher board and choir. She relentlessly fundraised and sold dinners to edify the house of God for many years. When fundraising wasn’t enough, she would spend her last dollar to do what was necessary for God’s house. Her work didn’t remain within the confines of the church. She was a companion to many young women during childbirth, she fed the hungry and provided for those in need without expecting anything in return. Her service to God’s people was unselfish and without cost.

Mother Cephas worked for over 30 years as a daycare provider and foster care parent. She took pride in her home and nurtured those in her care. During this journey she adopted 2 children that she loved as her own: Lakeya Jones and David Dobson. She also raised and loved Andrew Cephas (Terry), Luella Cephas and Anthony Cephas as her own.

Mother Cephas loved cooking and singing and her voice was unmatched. Even in her 90’s, her voice still resonated when she sang. She LOVED shopping and being a connoisseur of food, but her favorite pastime was sitting in her living room having impromptu bible studies or simply just talking about the Lord. Mother Cephas loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the body of Christ deeply. She was a great mentor inside and outside the church. She positively impacted so many people and the grief of her loss is massive, but the impact of her teachings will live forever.

Mother Cephas is survived by her children previously listed. A special daughter in Christ, Odell Quailes (Monroe). Sibling; Audrey George; 32 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and 24 great-great grandchildren; God Children: Chabrae Burr, Honesty Williams, Laiya Crawford; a special nephew Carroll (Kathleen) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and church family.

Mother Cephas was preceded in death by those aforementioned and the following: Siblings: Valerie Cornish Copper, Ernestine Cornish Thompson, Deloise Cornish, James Cornish, Andrew Cornish Sr., Melvin Cornish, Larry Cornish, and Bishop Clarence Cornish. Granddaughters: Joslin Cephas and Romonica (Cookie) Quailes. Great-grandson: Trevonte Cephas.

*** Masks are required at the services***

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