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Sara Clarice Mosley Pettiford, 80, educator

As a child, Sara Clarice Mosley Pettiford cultivated a passion for teaching by playing school with her dolls as pupils.

As a child, Sara Clarice Mosley Pettiford cultivated a passion for teaching by playing school with her dolls as pupils.

A lifelong educator, world traveler, and faithful church member, Mrs. Pettiford, 80, died Sunday, Nov. 23, of complications from Alzheimer's at Arbor Terrace at Chestnut Hill.

She was born in Bellefonte, in central Pennsylvania, and attended public schools; she was the only black student in her senior class. Her school counselor did not encourage her to continue her education, but Mrs. Pettiford knew that she was expected to follow in the footsteps of her parents, both of whom attended college - not common for blacks in the early 1900s.

Education was an easy choice for Mrs. Pettiford, said son Wayne. Her mother was an elementary-school teacher, and as a youngster Sara would often "play school" with her dolls, he said.

"She realized her passion for teaching," he said.

Like her parents, Mrs. Pettiford attended a historically black college - Cheyney, where she earned a bachelor of science degree in education in 1956.

She began her teaching career in Camden and later joined the Philadelphia School District, where she taught first and second grade for 34 years.

After she retired in 1992, Mrs. Pettiford continued to teach, volunteering for years at the Zion Learning Center Day Care founded by the Rev. Leon Sullivan. She also volunteered at Oak Lane Presbyterian Church, Trinity United Methodist Church's Enrichment Program, and Elmwood Elementary, her son said.

"She came faithfully every day. I could always depend on her," said Mildred Johnson, former executive director at Zion. "She was committed to helping young people find their way."

Mrs. Pettiford enjoyed traveling with her husband of 39 years, David. She continued to travel after his death in 1999, visiting all seven continents.

She was a member of Zion Baptist Church in North Philadelphia for about 60 years. Mrs. Pettiford enjoyed singing hymns loudly - much to the chagrin of her family.

"She couldn't sing a note," recalled her son, with a laugh. "But you couldn't tone her down. She would say, 'I'm singing for the Lord.' "

Her strong faith was shaken and eventually strengthened following the death of a son, Eric, at 13 from lymphoma, Wayne said.

"You could tell that a part of her had been yanked. She was a great mother," her son said.

Mrs. Pettiford was a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and a charter member of the sorority at Cheyney University.

In addition to her son, Mrs. Pettiford is survived by a sister and two nieces.

A viewing will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Zion Baptist Church, 3600 N. Broad St., followed by services at 11. A sorority service will be at 10:30. Interment will be at Northwood Cemetery.