Bishop Eric Darnell Wortham

Quietly and without Reservation, Bishop Eric D. Wortham Sr, transitioned on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Albert Einstein Medical Center. Bishop was born on March 14, 1957 the 9th child out of 11 children to the late William Edward and Mother Pearl Lee Wortham.

Bishop Wortham was educated in the Philadelphia School System, he attended Sartain and Locke for his Elementary Education; Shaw Junior High, and John Bartram for High School. He attended Univ of Pa Wharton School of Busines, He received both his Bachelors and Masters Degree from Carolina University of Theology.

Bishop Wortham’s childhood was filled with indelible memories and adventures with his siblings. He often mimicked the mannerisms of his father who was a giant of a man, with a huge presence.

Bishop Wortham had a heart bigger than the Grand Canyon, and made everybody feel like they were special. As told by his oldest sister Cynthia, Eric was the brother that had a lot of faith, an believed that there was nothing that God couldn't do.

Bishop Wortham accepted the Lord as his savior at the tender age of (7), and was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ by Bishop Levan Gravely, the Renowned Pastor of the Lily of the Valley Faith Bibleway Church. Bishop had a rich and goodly heritage being raised with such a loving natural and spiritual family, building relationships that has lasted a lifetime. He was oh so proud to be a “little lilly” and a son of the “Lily of the Valley”. The Lily was and will always be his spiritual foundation.

He was surrounded by some strong brothers and mentors, all hailed from his first spiritual family: the Lily of the Valley.

He received the gift of the Holy Spirit at the age of seventeen and took his commitment to his faith very serious.

Bishop survived a brush with death following a brief illness in 1977.

On October 17, 1977, Bishop met the love of his life, the young and fly Sonya F. Whitfield. The attraction and the chemistry was undeniable. They married 11 months later in August of 1978. He was 21 and she was 16. From this union they were blessed with 4 AMAZING children, loyal and devoted to their father until his union with his lord.

Ebony, Erica, Eric, and Deriq was the motivation and driving force behind his efforts to be better and to do better. He was and will always be their hero!

Bishop has always been a fighter! He persevered through many challenges in life and always came out on top. April 24, 2005, was a game changer for him and his family. He suffered a nearly fatal hemorrhagic stroke that altered his life forever, but his love and faith remained unfeigned. Bishop Wortham and his family navigated through this difficult time and made it work. Everybody knew their assignment and carried it out to the best of their ability.

Bishops Ecclesiastical Vitae has the imprint of some of the kingdoms finest leaders to include, but is not limited to: Bishop Levan Gravely, Bishop Wilbert Peynado Sr, Bishop Carlyle Tarte, Bishop John Wesley Barber, Apostle Robert Evans, and his Pastor that's ushering him in: His Grace, Bishop Michael A. Blue.

Even in this, Reliable Jesus is still standing beside him!

He leaves to mourn his absence: his loving and devoted spouse of 43 years, Dr.Sonya F. Wortham. His children: Ebony, Erica(Dennis), Eric II, Deriq Terrell. Bonus daughters: Ayiphi Coach and Kimyatta Graham, Goddaughters: Sonya Brockington, Jeri McGhee, Michelle Harris, Sarita Alston. Bonus Son: Bryan Anderson. Godson: Gary Perkins Jr. and Idris Walker. His loving and devoted Mother in Love: Pastor Ethel Whitfield, Grandchildren: Emmanuel, Eleyah, Dillon, Adora, Ronald, Markeem, Markeece, Devin Wilkins, Nakyma, David, Sybrina, and Josiah. One great - Granddaughter - Teigen Lee Jones.

His loving Aunt: Annie Robinson, Uncle Lokay Hill (Christine), Wortham family Matriarch: His Oldest Sister-Evangelist Cynthia Casey, his sisters Brenda and Gwen;Sis In loves: Eva, Rebecca, Tara, and Valencia. brothers: William (Linda), Kenneth, and Joseph. His Sister in love(s) Regina, Gloria, Bridget, and Monica. His brother in loves: Larry, Michael, and Vegas. God-father: Deacon Herbert Saddler. A hosts of nieces, nephews, cousins, covenant brothers and sisters, and friends.

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