Elijah Maalik Pridgen, 22

On March 21, 1999, Nadine Anderson and Ervin Pridgen were blessed with the birth of Elijah Maalik Pridgen. Weighing in at 5lbs. 3oz, his mother loving referred to him as her “5 lb bag of Suga.” This bag of “Suga” would later sweeten the life of Tuawana “MeMe” Pridgen.

“Eli” or “Li-Li”, as he was fondly called by family and friends, had the luxury of a Florida and Maryland family. He learned to fly solo at the age of 5, where he traveled between states for school holidays and summer breaks. Eli attended Beauclerc Elementary School prior to moving to Maryland at 8 years old. He transferred to Kingsford Elementary School where he received many accolades for his consistent honor roll. Certificates of achievement kept coming once he entered Ernest Just Middle School and Charles Herbert Flowers High School. Elijah graduated in 2017 and briefly attended Morgan State University where he embraced a business major until he decided that college was no longer for him.

Growing up in church and in a Christian home, he was taught to love, trust and obey the Lord.  Always reminded to have faith and to remember “As a man thinketh, so is he”.  Elijah chose to join the First Baptist Church of Glenarden and was baptized.  As he grew older and ventured out on his own, there was a comfort in knowing that he knew who God was and God knew him.

Elijah was distinguished by his warm infectious smile.  Oftentimes claiming his mom had the better smile. Along with a gentile demeanor, he had a personality that was pleasing and sociable…he loved being the center of attention, and a charmer he was.  From a young child to adulthood, he wanted the best for himself –Good was okay, better was alright, but best was where he set his sight.  He never wavered, would rather go without than make do.

He was a very caring, lovable and impressionable young man. Those who came to know him were impressed by his sensitivity and living example of courage and triumph…he was a risk taker, with goals that stretched beyond the moon and the stars. Elijah was also a very talented artist.  Like his father, he could draw anything.  Most recently, he put his skills to work launching his clothing line “Anti 9-5” where he designed the logo and all of the designs.  According to him, watching “MeMe” inspired him to be his own boss.

Some of the most enjoyable times were spent with his brothers together joshing around, and wrestling or house filled with cousins, and all you could hear was laughter. Eli had a fondness for kids. He was always kind, gentle and patient with them.  During his adolescent years, he would assist with the annual family Easter Egg Hunt. He and his brothers would hide the eggs then Eli would secretly tell one of the little ones where the Golden egg could be found.  He loved winning!

Eli placed high regards on his friends.  He gave them respect and admiration; in essence he presented himself as the godfather.  He always felt obligated to help and protect them.  He could be on the other side of the world and if one of his friends needed help, he would find a way to assist them.  There were times that he would rather take the blame: “I did it”, it’s mine”, “I was alone” – that was Elijah, LOYAL to the end.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving parents: Nadine Anderson, Ervin and Tuawana “MeMe” Pridgen; brothers, Ervin Amaan Pridgen and Ethan Amir Pridgen; grandparents, Evelyn and Ardis Henderson, Ethel Pridgen, Nyrtha and Curtis Braxton; uncles, Gregory, Karl and Rohan, aunts, Sheryl, Melissa, Slyvia, Diane, DeShaunne (John), Jackie (John) and Sophia; niece Leah Pridgen and nephew Liam Pridgen; a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL  32043.  Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720