Elijah Seth Harris

Elijah attended Oxford High School and was a member of the Class of 2009. He worked as a plumber and was tough, strong-willed, and a true survivalist. He knew how to make his way through difficult circumstances and keep going. Behind that toughness, however, was a tender heart. Elijah loved deeply, forgave easily, and cared about the happiness of the people around him.

Above all, Elijah loved his son, Tristan Harris. Being Tristan’s father was an important part of his life, and the love he had for his son will forever be a part of the legacy he leaves behind.

Elijah was raised with the love and influence of his family, including his maternal grandparents, the late Elizabeth Ivey and Frank Ivey. After his grandmother’s passing, he had Ecclesiastes 3:2 tattooed on his arm: “A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.”

A poet, musician, artist, and creator, Elijah found many ways to express what was in his heart. His mother remembers him as the most unique and authentic person she knew. He shined in his uniqueness, and his individuality was something those who loved him will always treasure.

Music was an important part of Elijah’s life. He loved a wide variety of music, and what he listened to depended on his mood. There was a song for every feeling and every season of his life. Among his favorites was a Christian song celebrating miracles too numerous to count—a message that held special meaning for him.

Elijah also had a deeply spiritual side. He knew God, thought deeply about faith, and had a strong awareness of spiritual warfare. He understood that some of the greatest battles in life are the ones that cannot be seen by others. His mother witnessed a profound change in him during the final seven months of his life. Although he had always had a big heart, she saw something special happen within it. In her words, “He truly was a new creation.”

Elijah’s compassion was evident in the way he treated others. He opened his home and his heart to many people who had nowhere to sleep, offering shelter, kindness, and unconditional love. He believed in loving people through their imperfections and helping those who needed someone to care.

If there were one word that could describe Elijah, it would be love. Fittingly, he named his beloved dog Love. Even when life was difficult, his forgiving heart and capacity to love remained an important part of who he was.

Those who knew Elijah will especially remember his desire to make people smile. He wanted those around him to be happy, and he had his own unforgettable way of reminding them. He would look at you and simply say, “Beeee Happyyyy.” Those words now hold an even more special meaning for the people who loved him.

Elijah is survived by his beloved son, Tristan Harris; his parents, Kelly Harris and Heather Ivey Harris; his maternal grandfather, Frank Ivey; his grandfather, Terry Harris; his uncle, Benjamin Dean Ivey (Nancy); his cousins, Bo Ty Harris and Tripp Ivey; his best friend; his beloved dog, Love; and a host of extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Ivey.

In remembering Elijah, his family hopes his life can serve as a reminder to have compassion for others, because we may never fully know the battles another person is facing. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to someone you trust and seek help. There is strength in asking for help, and no one should have to fight those battles alone.

Elijah would not want his story to end only in sadness. He would want those who loved him to remember the music, his creativity, his toughness and determination, his forgiving heart, the love he gave, and the moments that made them smile.

Most of all, when you think of Elijah, remember the words he so often wanted others to hear:

“Beeee Happyyyy.”