A Community United By Grief: Remembering Elvis “Elley” Smith Jr.

  Elvis “Eley” Smith

ST. JOHN — As the teenagers of St. John prepare for school, they give a silent prayer for their fallen friend and family member. With the death of Elvis Smith Jr. still fresh in their minds, they reminisce over good memories.

Known locally as “Elley”, Elvis Smith Jr. passed away in a fatal car accident on Saturday, January 10. His death shocked both friends and family, and the community immediately joined in mourning as a small shrine was erected at the scene of the accident.

“He was like a brother to me”
Teenage friends and family of Elvis Smith Jr. sport solemn faces and bags reading “R.I.P. Elley”. Many of them have attended school with him since kindergarten.

“I remember going to Guy Benjamin School with him, he’s always been a part of my life,” one friend said. His friends remember the time they spent with him fondly.

“He was like a brother to me, he came to my house almost every weekend. I’ll always remember the good times we had” one teen remarks.

“I couldn’t believe it”
“I cried, I couldn’t believe it; I kept asking if it was true,” Jovanie Stephenson reflected about his initial reaction. Shock and disbelief is common amongst the grieving St. John community.

“I thought I was having a really bad nightmare, I thought it couldn’t be true,” one student said.

“It was hard to take in. he was so well known; I started to bawl as soon as I heard,” Dana Gilbert said mournfully.

“He brought happiness everywhere he went”

Elvis Smith Jr. was quite well known throughout the community for his kind spirit and joking personality.

“He was the kind of person that brought happiness with him everywhere he went no matter what,” cousin Mirisa Clendinen said wistfully. Her sister Aysha Clendinen chimed in saying. “He was so nice and the best cousin you could ask for.”

“I’ll always remember his smile”
Some teens were willing to open up about specific memories with Elvis Smith Jr.

“I’ll always remember his smile,” Nandi Furet explained. “It brightened people’s day. I can remember the last time we went to the movies; he kept saying how he wanted to get nachos. He was so funny!”

“I miss him a lot,” another teen said. “He was always laughing and joking. I’ll always remember the day we hung out and played videogames.

It was the most fun I ever had.”

“He’s in a better place”
Though they miss him greatly, many teens consoled themselves with the thought  that Elvis Smith Jr. is in a better place.

“I didn’t want to believe he was gone,” one teen said acceptingly. “He was so down to earth. I’m going to miss his joy, but he’s in a much better place now. We have to keep living life for him.”

“I hope he’s doing well with God” Nandi Furet expressed. “He’s up in heaven watching us now. My condolences to the family, and I’ll keep them in my prayers” another teen affirmed.

“I didn’t believe it at first and I miss him,” said Naiquan Frett. “We have to continue and remember what good we had with him.”
The funeral for Elvis Smith Jr., 16, is scheduled for Friday, January 23.