Relatives recall ‘gentle Elijah’ as mentally ill man is laid to rest

Days after Elijah Noel was shot dead by the police, he was remembered at his funeral service yesterday as a compassionate, quiet, loving and gentle person.

Relatives, friends and neighbours who gathered at JE Guide Funeral Home and Crematorium in San Fernando were asked not to dwell on the violent manner he died but rather on the qualities that made him special.

More than a week ago, on October 11, Elijah, 20, was shot by the police in the community after he damaged a car while he was having a mental health episode.

Delivering the eulogy yesterday, Kevin Noel, a relative, recalled, “Elijah was a quiet force of love and peace in our family. His calm demeanour and gentle spirit were a constant source of comfort. I will always remember his unwavering dedication to his family, especially his parents. His insistence on never seeing them go without and always being willing to put the needs of others above his ownwas a testament to his loving nature.” While the relative said Elijah was taken far too soon, he said his legacy of love and compassion will live on through those who knew and loved him.

“He faced the challenges life brought to him bravely. He wanted to care for those he loved and I believe had he gotten the chance to grow and mature he would have done so admirably in the face of all challenges he met.”

Meanwhile, Kerise Pacheco-Marshall, one of Elijah’s neighbours, recalled that he and his family moved into the Glenroy Development community when he was just a tot.

She said, “I remember Elijah not one day being disrespectful. He was always, you know those very gentle people that you don’t see angry, never really disturbed, that is who I will describe Elijah as.”

She said members of the community are supporting his family because they knew the child he was.

Pacheco-Marshall said he was also helpful, and the community felt his loss. But she said his memory will live in the community.

Another neighbour thanked God for bringing Elijah and his family into her life.

“I pray that God will give them the strength, through this difficult time. It is a trying time.”

Reverand Wayne Matthew said when death comes by “someone who is supposed to protect you. It hurts.”

Despite his mental challenges, he said they could take comfort in knowing that Elijah knew Jesus Christ.

Elijah was interred at the Mt Stewart Public Cemetery.

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