Elijah Michael Fair

Elijah Michael Fair was born on September 16, 1998 in Columbus, Ohio to Michael Fair and Tamara Norton-Fair. He was a gentle, loving son who gave many hugs and kisses. Growing up, he was fearless and wanted to be a Power Ranger and save the world from harm. Elijah graduated from Centennial High School in 2016 where he was on the swim team and played clarinet in the school marching band. Elijah was passionate about Spanish/Latin American culture and spoke fluent Spanish. He loved working with kids and worked as a substitute teacher at Southwestern City Schools where his wonderful spirit would light up any classroom. 

Elijah continued his professional/student journey at Columbus State Community College where he was involved in the Spanish/Latin American Culture Club. He received an Associate of Arts Degree on May 10, 2024. Elijah was also attending The Ohio State University, majoring in Spanish, with a tentative graduation date in the fall of 2024.

From his family, Elijah was a warmhearted and beloved son, brother, nephew, and cousin who was always there to help others.  He was very close to his entire family, both immediate and extended. He would use the “sibling/cousins” group text to send messages of hope and inspiration to help keep everyone close.  Anything Elijah did, he gave it his all -- from learning a foreign language to teaching himself how to do the perfect back flips.  He would not quit until he mastered whatever he set out to do. He also loved music, travel, and dance.

We received an outpouring of comments from faculty staff, educators and classmates about Elijah; His beautiful smile, his enthusiasm and passion for his studies was admirable, and his kind and compassionate personality made him a joy to have in class. His Spanish/Latin teacher said, “Elijah was one of the most loved peers we ever had in our Association. He has also been a student of Spanish in our program, and his passion for the language, our cultures and our people were outstanding.” To his friends, Elijah was soft-spoken, gentle, thoughtful, and very charismatic. He had so many dear friends and loved to travel with many of them to different states and countries.  Elijah never let the fear of anything hold him back from trying new things. His zest for life was immeasurable. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.

Elijah is preceded in death by grandparents: Mary Norton, Edward Norton Sr., Ruth Hutchinson, Samuel Fair, Uncle Jerry Hutchinson, Aunt Deborah Norton-Mason, and Cousins Tabitha Poole and Michael Sterling Fair.

Left to cherish his memories: Parents: Michael Fair and Tamara Norton-Fair, Siblings: Martina Fair, Noah Fair, Nicole Fair, Courtney Fair, Deanna Fair-Brown. Uncles: Geoffrey Norton, Steve (Pamela) Norton, Edward Norton Jr., Greg (Pam) Fair Sr., Doug Fair, and Frankie Tatum.  Aunts: Deborah Rodgers, SiYonna Norton, Sonja Norton, Diane Williams, Lisa Hatten Cousins: Yolanda Joe, Seniqua Berger, Nosha Norton, Chaz Norton, Hope (Roscoe) Patterson, Stephanie Norton (Ermas Thomas), Cristal Hatten, Savannah Hatten, Raven Hatten, Greg Fair Jr., Patrick (Dana) Fair, Angel Fair, and Joylena McKee. Special Uncle and Aunt: Steven Carr and Dianna White and a host of family members and friends.