Elijah Markel Johnson, age 22 of
St. Peters, Missouri passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 12, 2023. He was born to the Union of Lawrence Johnson and Marquita Moore on August 26, 2000, in St. Louis, MO. His second set of parents Nathaniel Moore Jr. and Simone Johnson played an intricate role in his upbringing. He accepted Christ at an early age. He became a member of St. Luke Memorial Baptist Church on June 19, 2019, and baptized on June 23, 2019.
Elijah is predeceased by his maternal grandparents Willie and Sharon Mangam, Buck Robinson, paternal grandparents, Alton and Christine Johnson, and his uncles Alton Jr. and Jermaine.
Elijah graduated from Christian Brothers College High School in 2018. He played soccer throughout high school. He attended Dallas Baptist University in
Dallas, TX. He obtained his teaching certification and taught various grade levels.
My miracle baby was born prematurely. He brought joy to my life. He was a hyper child from the beginning, always busy, and on the go. He was taught to love everyone and not judge people; he lived his life accordingly. He loved life and family. He also loved nature, water, soccer, basketball, and children. His last days were spent teaching high school students, coaching basketball, and refereeing basketball games. I was so proud of his accomplishments and independence at a young age. I will miss him calling or texting me, "MOM", which meant I want something. Sometimes I feared answering the phone because he would call my name in a panicky tone as if something was wrong. During his infant years, I will always sing to him "God has smile on you, he has set you free." As I reflect on that song, God smiled on my son and has set him free.
What I can say about him, he was "my miracle baby. I just remember the time he called me, he had gotten into an accident, every time Elijah called me, I had to be on guard because I never knew what was going on. He said, "Mr. Nathan, I can't feel my legs!" First thing I'm thinking in my head is why is telling me that and I'm in St. Louis? So, my thing was to tell him to call the police and his mother was right there with me. I have many other stories that I would love to share with you all to talk about my son, Elijah. It will never seem to amaze me about some of his feats. We were having a basketball game and he slammed into the door and almost went out of the gym, scaring the living daylights out of me. There are not enough words to describe the excitement and joy he brought me. He made me a better person because I had to stay on top of my toes to make sure he stayed on his.
Elijah:
You left me way too soon. Eli you have a smile that lit up a room. You would always call, and we would talk about random stuff and make plans to do your dreams. Your dreams are not done; I will try to finish the plans that we discussed. I will miss you being silly and saying, "I got this dad, " well son I got this.
Son:
Dear God, your gifts are many. I'm grateful for everyone. One of the greatest gifts you've given is the gift of my son Elijah. They say there is a reason, they say time will heal, neither time nor reason will change the way I feel. Gone are the days we use to share, but in my heart you will always be there. Our heart will still ache with sadness and secret tears still flow, what it means to lose you, no one will ever know. I will always love you, Elijah. Love, Dad
Elijah never called me stepmom. I was just mom. I am so grateful for Marquita and L J for allowing me to be such a big part of Elijah's life. To me, he was just my middle son. I've always had three sons and he always had two brothers, Beaux and Lance. We will miss him dearly. I am so proud that they loved each other and had a great relationship together. I will miss his smile and laughter he shared with us. Forever, for always, we love you. Simone
Elijah is survived by his siblings, Krystal, Lauren, Beau and Lance; aunts Mary (Vernon) and Michelle, God Parents, and host of cousins, nieces and nephews, aunts/uncles, relatives, friends, and family
Visitation, Friday, February 24, 2023, at St. Luke Memorial Baptist Church, 3623 Finney Ave., St. Louis, MO 63113, 10:30 AM until time of service at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers contributions in Elijah memory may be made to his family. Please make checks payable to his mother Marquita Moore would be appreciated or donate at the GoFundMe link below.
https://gofund.me/680b0fb7
For those wishing to watch Elijah's service online, please join us live at the Zoom link listed below:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72645388686?pwd=rHCCoLlXGKtm4xh8Wybca7lSjDn9bC.1
Meeting ID: 726 4538 8686
Passcode: uDhh57
Everyone is invited to be a part of Elijah's tribute book. Please post an entry in his Tribute Book, that has already been purchased for his family. All messages, photos and fond memories shared here on this website will be added to the book for the family to keep. All entries made prior to March 31st will be a part of the book.