Obituary of Elisha R Graves

It was on a Monday morning that Rachel, nine-months pregnant, would have her last doctor’s appointment. She had been preparing and planning to return to her doctor’s office two days later to deliver her twins via C-Section. She did not know that her twins had, had enough and wanted out! And wanted out, NOW!!!
With a sense of urgency and great anticipation, Rachel reached out to their father’s place of employment, emphatically informing him that the twins were making a break for it and that he needed someone to bring him to the hospital, immediately! Within a matter of time, Norman made it to the hospital and helped to deliver his only daughter, Eleisha, and his baby boy, Elisha, into the world on Monday, July 11, 2001.
Soon after the delivery, Elisha was transferred to the Ronald McDonald House, located in Albany, New York, for additional pediatric care. It was there, that he spent the first two weeks of his life. After being released with a clean-bill-of-health, Elisha showed overall improvement with his health. Over time not only did Elisha show improvement, records to date, showed that his height topped at six feet and three inches tall!
Before the tender age of five, Elisha joined the “Main Street Dance” company where he learned how to interact with others, as well as take instruction from the adults that were NOT his parents or family members. Being the kinetically astute child that he was, Elisha performed the Billboard Top 100 hit, “I Like To Move It, Move It”!
Elisha enjoyed taking the bus to school and had an overall satisfaction for education. Almost every week, Elisha would share stories about his silly classmates or talk about the many times he would see his sister walking down the school hallway, at lunch or seeing her on the playground. Since Elisha loved and enjoyed dance and many extra-curricular activities, both he and his sister were enrolled in Karate class and advanced to an orange belt with two stripes.
While in fourth grade, the students were introduced to musical instruments. Elisha chose (or possibly chosen for him), the Alto Saxophone. He learned to play his instrument very well, receiving high performance grades in various competitions.
Our family was introduced to the “Guiding Eyes For The Blind” where we became foster parents to puppies in route to becoming guide dogs. Elisha loved training “Courtney” and “Widgett”. He and the family shared similar feelings of sadness while returning the cute and adorable canine(s) back to the “Guiding Eyes For the Blind” facility to receive the next phase of their training(s).
While in High School, Elisha was part of the Stage Crew in his Junior year. He played on the track, soccer and football team(s), as well. While on the track team, he participated in the Javelin throw until he was accidentally injured by another student during practice. This unfortunately ended Elisha’s athletic career in High School. Despite this devastatingly traumatic life-threatening incident, Elisha continued on with an interest in photography that prompted him to enroll at the Bethel Woods Performing Arts. With the help of his sister’s Godmother and Teacher, Mrs. Melissa Murphy, Elisha was able to return to school and graduate with honors in the class of 2019.
In High School, Elisha chose to take advantage of the BOCES instruction that was offered to him in his Junior and Senior year(s). He chose welding for his career path of choice where he excelled in the trade, receiving numerous awards, certifications, acknowledgments and honors. He decided to further his education in the trade of Welding by attending Alfred State College of Technology where he earned a degree as a Welding Technician. His degree earned him a job at Robert Green Truck Division as a welder. At his job, Elisha turned “regular” vehicles into service vehicles by fixing and/or adding lighting, alarms and additional sound effects for ambulance medic rigs and police cruiser(s)
At the age of seven, Elisha was one of the founding members of “New Beginnings” Worship Center Incorporated, with his father, the late Reverend Norman Graves. His role in the church was an essential part of the ministry. In this role, he handled and maintained all of the video and media for the church. Elisha also assisted with the Liberty Warming Center with both his father and his church family. His participation was vital to the new-home renovation for homeless, male veterans.
The churches annual “Holiday Festival” and “Toys For Tots” community events would not have been as successful without Eli’s fun and playful spirit, participation and hard work.
In 2016, Elisha joined his church family as they journeyed to Nairobi, Kenya, Africa. He loved the land, the people and the entire experience so much so, he purchased a ticket to return once more with his church family, in September of this year!
Elisha was a soft-spoken, gentle, kind and loving soul. He was thoughtful and exhibited the utmost respect for ALL!  Many will remember his kindness, being tall in stature, having a big beautiful smile and a fun and playful personality. His positive energy was breath-taking. He was a God-fearing, God-loving and obedient Servant of God. We are grateful and thankful to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the short time He allowed us to have with our Beloved, Elisha.
Elisha is predeceased by his loving father and mentor, Reverend Norman Graves, Sr., Spencer Graves (Brother), Roger Reeves (Uncle), Lawrence Graves (Uncle), Betty Wilson (Aunt), Omar Wilson (Cousin), Kenny Duffy (Cousin), William Fuller, Ocie Reeves, Lloyd and Edmonia Graves (Grandparents), Ollie Reeves (Great-Aunt) and Lorenzo Reeves, (Cousin).
He leaves behind a testimony of his obedient service, his loving mother Rachel Reeves-Graves, Eleisha (Twin Sister), Julius (Brother), Norman Jr. (Half-Brother), Elyse, Ivy, Gladys, Connie, Fermecia (Aunts), Thurman, Aaron, Dudley (Uncles). His Cousins: Lawrence, Christopher, Chelsey, Sharon, T.J., Janet, E.G., Roger G, Keyia, Rashida, Gershem, Obadiah, Gia, Kevin, Matthew, Chelsea, Carly, Wesley, Bodhi, Sharon, Candace, Kendell, K.J., Kensley, Kohen, DeAndre, Juliana, Sol, King, Tanashia, Heidi, Ariana, Aden, Analise, Avery, Dominic, Ciera, Roger, Alize, Rasheen, Tasia, DeUanta, Nina, Nikki, Tayvon (Cousins). Laylah, Alanah, Olivia (Nieces) and Master Spencer J. Graves (Nephew). Our family Elders: Charlie Mc Axle and Mrs. Clara Farrar. Sonya Hamilton and Regina Kirk (Godmothers).
Never to be forgotten: “New Beginnings” Community Worship Center.
Although we grieve and would NOT have chosen this time for the loss of our beloved Elisha, WE submit to the Power and Authority of Our God’s timing and His Divine Order.
 

Those who are not able to attend in person may view the funeral service HERE.  Kindly note that if due to unforseen circumstances, the WiFi at the hosting facility wavers and the livestream drops, a back up will be recorded and posted here later in the day after the service has ended.