Ellijah Grant

Ellijah John Grant (age 23) is lovingly remembered by family and friends for the care and presence he brought to those around him. A devoted father to four children — Tia, Nia, Ja'kobi, and Elijah Jr. — Ellijah’s role as a parent was central to his life and how those close to him described him.

Born to Yvette M. Holden (Shedrick) and Leonard V. McLendon (Anita), Ellijah was surrounded by a broad circle of family: siblings Angelle, Leonard (Larielle), Jessica Brown (Raymond), Latoya, Tiara Grant, Deja, Kiziah, and Jeremiah McLendon, as well as grandparents Andrea Wilson and Dorothy Holden. He was also cherished by godmother Angela Valdery and a wide network of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends who recall his generous spirit.

Ellijah worked among many local employers over the years and was known to colleagues at places such as Rally’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, Tony Maraine, Madi Gras Truck Stop, Sodexo Group, The Ritz-Carlton, and Landis Construction. Coworkers and community members who attended services remembered him as kind and hardworking, with a heart that made an impression on those he met.

Family and friends gathered to celebrate Ellijah’s life at Gaskin-Southall-Gordon & Gordon Mortuary in New Orleans, where loved ones shared memories and offered comfort to one another. He was laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery, and those who knew him left tributes recalling the positive moments he brought into their lives.

Though his life was cut short, Ellijah’s identity as a father, son, brother, and friend endures in the memories of those who loved him. He is remembered for the simple, human ways he cared for others and the connections he made in his community.