Meet Elijah
Elijah Jayden Hawkins-Maynor, was born to Rosalind Regina (Hawkins) Reddick and Craig Lapoint Maynor on November 3, 2000 at 12:42 pm in Charlotte, NC. As an infant, Elijah was dedicated to the Lord in December 2001 at St. Paul Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC. After Rosalind married Almer Reddick, Elijah was baptized in 2007 at St. John Church of Christ in Washington, NC. While a member at St. John Church of Christ, Elijah participated in the Children’s Ministry, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, sang in the Children’s Choir and played on the Youth Basketball Team. Elijah, with his family, relocated to Norcross, GA in 2012. In November of that same year, he became a member of Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, GA. There he served as a Youth Leader and worked in the Outreach Ministry. He was also awarded the Elder G.R. & Sister Sara Lovick Scholarship for academics in 2019. Most recently, Elijah was a member of Christ Family Church located in Cary, NC. While Elijah projected a conservative, reserved demeanor in church, he unequivocally loved the Lord and enjoyed honoring God with his praise, prayer and purpose.
Elijah was an accomplished student throughout his academic career. While his favorite subject would vacillate between math, science or language arts, what was constant was his desire to perform well in each of his classes. He received numerous academic awards throughout his middle school and high school years. He was recognized as a scholar-athlete consecutively for four (4) years while a student at Norcross High School. His hard work and dedication in the classroom culminated with an acceptance to his “dream” university, UNC-Chapel Hill. While attending UNC-Chapel Hill, Elijah majored in Exercise Sports Science with a focus on Sports Marketing/Management.
Elijah loved to play sports. He played football, basketball, soccer and baseball. He also earned multiple belts while studying martial arts at an early age. He was a talented athlete excelling in each of the sports he played. His “true love” however, was baseball. Elijah played baseball every year of his life from ages 4 to 18. Elijah had scholarship offers and opportunities to play baseball at multiple colleges/universities after graduating from Norcross High School. He elected to forgo those opportunities to focus on academics. While at UNC-Chapel Hill, Elijah participated in intramural sports, clubs/organizations, served as a Resident Advisor (RA), worked part-time at Mama Dip’s Restaurant, and became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Elijah had a good heart and was generally easy going. He was very respectful, and was often heard saying “yes ma’am” or “no sir” with his signature laid back delivery and “kool aid” smile. Once he opened up to share that smile with you, it would leave an indelible imprint in your spirit. Elijah liked to travel domestically and internationally. He loved to eat; man, did he love to eat! From his Grandma Sylvia’s homemade biscuits to “mistakenly” eating someone’s leftovers in the fridge, he had a passion for all types of food. Elijah showed reverence and respect to his elders.
He often shared prayers with Grandma Lula while talking about the goodness of God. He enjoyed working on the family farm with Grandpa Robert and Grandma Neater, as well as watching movies and eating with Grandma Ella (MaMa). This is where we believe Elijah developed his exquisite palate for food. Known affectionately as “Jayden” to some family members, Elijah would share a hearty laugh with his Grandpa Paul as he stood on his tiptoes to look at Jayden as they talked about sports. Grandpa Tidie, who gave Elijah his first hair cut, opened the doors to Elijah embracing his attractiveness. Grandma Ann cared for Elijah in his early years while Rosalind traveled. Elijah had an “old soul” and enjoyed spending time with those he loved and learning from people with knowledge and experience. He also enjoyed spending “Cold Hard Cash,” but that is a story for another time! Elijah was a true renaissance man who enjoyed everything from fishing, to riding roller coasters and baking bread and cookies.
ALL ABOUT CAROLINA Making a DREAM a REALITY from a little BOY!!!
Elijah walked on UNC Chapel Hill campus in 2008 during a B.A.R. (Black Alumni Reunion) and fell in love with the people, activities, sports, etc. From that day at eight years old, he made the decision to attend UNC when he graduated from high school. God honored Elijah’s prayers. Elijah moved into his dorm room in the summer of 2019. Elijah’s hard work during his academic career and support from his parents, friends, and his village paid off. Two years later, Elijah became an R.A. (Residential Advisor).
In short, Elijah simply loved LIFE. On October 5, 2023, God in his infinite wisdom, brought Elijah to Paradise, where he will be waiting to see all of us again.
Celebration of Life Video
Transformative impact on society through academic achievement, community outreach, mentorship and benevolence.