Mr. Elijah Anthony King "Lighter Man" McDonald

UTICA – Mr. Elijah Anthony King “Lighter Man” McDonald, age 20, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 17, 2024, in the comfort of his home. Born in Utica on February 8, 2004, Elijah was the son of Gerard “Jerry” McDonald and Evelyn Watkins. He attended T. R. Proctor High School. After high school, he worked various jobs at the Utica Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Burlington Coat Factory, and lastly at FedEx as a package handler at their Marcy warehouse. Elijah was a sweet person who wanted everyone to be happy. He had a strong personality and at times could be quiet and affectionate. Naturally athletic, he excelled at basketball and football, especially standing out as a running back for the Proctor Raiders. He wanted to carry his love of the game forward in his life through coaching. Elijah enjoyed music, but most importantly, he loved spending time with his family. His dream was to one day own enough land to farm, and have his family live next to each other. He also desired to travel and see the country. He always wanted his boys by his side to show them the world as they grew. Elijah is survived by his father, Jerry McDonald and his wife Stephanie; his mother Evelyn Watkins and her companion Gregory Ager; his sons, Amari Henderson, and Jah’Quior McDonald; his love, Isyss Pemberton; his siblings, Adrianne McDonald, Azaira McDonald, Cheyenne McDonald, Romeaire Mathis, Kaison Randall, Alayah Watkins, and Gionni Ager; and his paternal grandmother, Carol McDonald. He also knew the love of grandparents in Tammy and Anthony Nevith. He leaves his memory to a host of aunts, uncles, great-aunts, great-uncles, and cousins too numerous to mention. Throughout his life he cherished many friendships, especially with his life-long friends, Alex, Jalon, Ferris, and Jayden. He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Gerard McDonald; his maternal grandmother, Cynthia Mathis; and his cousins, Steven Mathis (November 2021), and Jamal Mathis (December 2015). Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Elijah’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87693663429

Mr. Elijah Anthony King "Lighter Man" McDonald

February 8, 2004 - June 17, 2024