Elijah James Palmer was a gift of the most pure and gracious love to all who knew him. Born on April 18th, 2002, Eli was from the very beginning a bright light and the very proof that miracles are real. Eli went to his eternal home on Saturday, April 23rd at 12:12 P.M. after suffering a brain bleed caused by a dural arteriovenous fistulas and the sudden onset of acute Leukemia.
For the 20 short years he was a part of this world he demonstrated true compassion in a life of service to others. He was a member of the children’s choir and bell choir, an acolyte for 7 years, a youth group member on mission trips serving other communities and spent every summer attending and then working at Vacation Bible School, even into college. After attending Happening (an Episcopal Youth Retreat), he then served on staff and was selected to serve as Rector.
Eli attended St Luke’s Episcopal Day School from Pre-K through 8th grade and served as the Student Council Chaplain. He was a 2020 graduate of Catholic High School where he served as the Art Club President and Lead Designer. Eli attended University of Southern Mississippi on scholarship and spent the last year of his life working for the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Greater Baton Rouge and AmeriCorps.
Eli loved his family. He was a talented artist, kind to everyone and an advocate for all. He could speak knowledgeably on so many topics, but most eloquently about his faith, to a room full of adults with confidence and grace.
The family will forever be grateful to the paramedics and the amazing staff at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. Their quick action, knowledge and skillful hands, and honesty and compassion allowed us the opportunity to be able to have a few extra, precious hours to say goodbye. We know that every member of his care teams in the emergency room, critical care, neurology, surgery, transfusion, ICU, and LOPA, were each placed in our path to be a part of Eli’s story and we will be eternally grateful.
Eli is survived by his parents, Cheryl and David, his brothers Taylor and Payton, his grandfather, George Heburn, his great aunt, Diane Heburn, his uncles Jimmy Heburn and Digby Palmer Jr., his aunts Carol, Sarah and Belinda Palmer, Heather Heburn, cousins, Rachael and Clayton Palmer and Aspen Heburn.
He was preceded in death by his grandmothers Barbara Heburn and Lois Palmer and grandfather, Digby Palmer Sr.
As we celebrate the life of Eli Palmer as an artist we know he would love for everyone to wear their favorite color. If you plan to attend, please help us fill the church with all things bright and beautiful!
Arrangements:
Saturday, April 30th at
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
8833 Goodwood Blvd 70806
Visitation 10:00-12:00
Service 12:00-1:00
Reception to follow
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the following organizations in Eli’s name.
St Luke’s Episcopal Church -Eli Palmer Shepherd’s Fund (225)926-5343
St Luke’s School- Scholarship Endowment Fund
(225) 927-8601
Boys and Girls Club of Metro Louisiana
bgcmetrolouisiana.org
OLOL Children’s Hospital
https://ololchildrens.org/give/
Companion Animal Alliance caabr.org
As all who knew him mourn his loss, he will always be remembered as “Sweet Baby Eli” and will forever be loved.
Cheryl and David,
My heart breaks for you and your family. Words can not express my sorrow. Just please know that my prayers are with you daily and I know Brent is showing Eli around up in Heaven.
Dear Cheryl, my thoughts, prayers, and love are with you. The loss of Eli is devastating to hear. He was a shining light with his kind, sweet nature. Ali, Skyler, and I send love.
I know words cannot express what to say at this time. I Love y’all and if anything I could ever do…. My heart goes out to you both and your are in my prayer’s!
David and family, I’m incredibly sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family and the quest to be whole again.
David and Cheryl, I am heartbroken to hear about the loss of Eli. My condolences go out to you both, as well as Taylor, Payton and the entire family. His spirit will be with you forever.
God bless you and I miss you both.
Dear Cheryl and David,
I have no earthly words, but I believe HIS words are true: “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 –
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers for HIS promises in Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension shall guard your hearts & minds in Christ Jesus.”
love, joy, peace through & in Christ,
James & Connie Chetta
I had the pleasure of meeting Eli on several occasions when he visited St Thomas Episcopal Church in Diamondhead, the church home of his grandparents, George & Barbara. He was easy to engage in lively conversation and I could immediately know that he was intelligent as well as personable and attractive. He was so loved by his grandparents and they were so proud of him. I am shocked to learn of his untimely death, but our loss is heaven’s gain. My sincere condolences and sympathy to the family at this difficult time. My heart felt prayers are with you.
I am so sorry for yalls loss. He was such a sweet young man! My prayers are with you and your family