Otas Edward Cephas Jr.

Otas Edward Cephas Jr., affectionately known to his family as "Wiz," was called home on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was 54 years young.

Otas was born on Thursday, November 18, 1971, in Milford, Delaware, to the late Otas Edward Cephas Sr. and Inez Bush Cephas. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, loyal friend, and a man whose bright smile, huge heart, and joking spirit brought laughter and warmth to all who knew him.

Raised in Seaford, Delaware. Otas received his education through the Seaford School District and proudly graduated from Seaford Senior High School with the Class of 1989.

Following graduation, Otas began a long and dedicated career with E.I. DuPont in Seaford, where he worked as a Spinning Machine Operator and later served as a Shift Supervisor until his early retirement in 2015. During his years at DuPont, he formed lasting friendships and enjoyed participating in both the DuPont Bowling League and DuPont Basketball Team.

Never one to sit still, Otas continued to keep busy after retirement, including seasonal work with UPS and the City of Seaford. He also turned his passion for keeping cars spotless into his own detailing business. He took tremendous pride in detailing, and even on days when he wasn't feeling his best, his cars were going to be clean - and yours could be too if you asked.

Otas was well known throughout his community and found a special sense of purpose, fellowship, and pride through his involvement with the American Legion family. He joined in Seaford in 2022 and later became Commander of the Sons of the American Legion (S.A.L.). In 2024, he transferred to C.K.R.T. American Legion Post 7 in Harrington, DE, where he became S.A.L. Commander in 2025. His dedication and leadership continued, and in 2026, he became Department 1st Vice Commander. Otas took great pleasure in his role at C.K.R.T. Post 7, the relationships he formed there, and everything the American Legion represented. His service was much more than holding a title - it was something he genuinely loved.

If you knew Otas, you knew there were a few things he LOVED: the Denver Broncos, good food, his crabs, clean cars, and Florida. A die-hard Broncos fan, he proudly supported his team through the wins and the losses. And when it came to crabs, there was no such thing as an "off-season." As one friend fondly recalled, Otas could eat crabs six or seven times a week, year-round. His familiar sayings, "Fatboy gotta eat" and "I just had to have 'em," were simply part of his charm.

Otas also enjoyed cooking in the kitchen and firing up his grill. If he was eating, chances were everyone around him was going to eat too - whether they planned to or not. He loved traveling and especially enjoyed spending time at his home away from home in Florida.

Otas embraced life fully - with energy, humor, generosity, and a loving spirit that naturally drew people to him. Whether detailing a car, cheering on his Broncos, serving alongside his Legion family, cooking for those he loved, or simply making someone laugh, Otas knew how to enjoy life and share that joy with others. He was dependable, generous, and always willing to lend a hand.

On July 14, 2018, Otas married the love of his life, Ebony West-Cephas. Together, they shared 12 beautiful years, including eight years of marriage, filled with love, partnership, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

Otas was preceded in death by his parents, Otas Edward Cephas Sr. and Inez Bush Cephas; his sister, Ovon Jernigan; his paternal grandparents, John and Alberta Cephas; his maternal grandparents, Marion Bush and Luereather Bush; and his aunt, Ernestine Bush.

Otas leaves a lifetime of loving memories to be cherished by his devoted wife, Ebony West-Cephas; his children, Shakyra C. Cephas of Millersville, MD, Shakaylah D. Cephas of Magnolia, DE Thomas Burton of Magnolia, DE Kiana Cephas and Khia O. Cephas of Newport, DE, Raiquan M. DeShields of Milton, DE, Tamijah B. DeShields of Harrington, DE; his granddaughter, Lyriq A. Logan of Newport, DE; his sisters, Otisia (Emory) Howell of Houston, DE, and Otasia (Donzell) Cephas of Newark, DE; his mother-in-law, Sandra "Sandy" DeShields of Harrington, DE; his father-in-law, Myron West of Milton, DE; his sisters-in-law, Ambia (Eric) Jones of Seaford, DE, and Tamara (Ricky) Bryant of Georgetown, DE; and his special brother-in-law, Aubrey "Dean" Jernigan of Seaford, DE.

He is also survived by his aunts, Cathrick J. "Cathy" (Charles) Smith and Pandora Bush; his uncle, Horace L. (Dejuanna) Odom of Syracuse, NY; his cousins, Charles J. Smith, Steve Smith, Devin (Danielle) Smith, and Cheryl Bush; his godsister, Sabrina Horsey of Seaford, DE; his special "brothers," Alan Cephas and Bo Paskins; his special aunts, Erethia Smith and Elsie Glover; his special uncle, Lemmuel Glover; his special niece, Amani L. White of Seaford, DE; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, Legion family, and dear friends.

Otas lived with joy, gave with generosity, loved without limits, and left behind countless memories that will continue to bring smiles even through the tears. His infectious smile, laughter, kindness, and love for those around him will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him.

Respectfully Submitted,

The Family