Lionel Sutton Jr. BKA Eljay

the eldest son of 3 siblings; Jared L. Sutton and Jalena M. Sutton, was born to his loving parents; Elder Lionel Sutton, Sr. and Missy Rena M Sutton on December 19, 1989 at North Oaks Hospital in Hammond, La. a nd departed this life on April 14, 2020 at Och s ner 's Hospital Main Campus in Slidell, La. Lionel Jr, bka Eljay was a very humble and lovable person and easy to entreat , never meeting a stranger and always willing to lend a helping hand . He was a graduate of the Amite High school class of 2008 , where he participated in extra curricular activities such as foo tball and his love of music, band and chorus.

S ince birth, Eljay was a n anointed child of God, while in pullups he was praying and laying hands on the sick. He loved God and wanted to sing and give Him the praise . Growing up Eljay played an active role in ministry where he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at the age of 10 , under the leadership of the late Superintendent Adam Gordon (All Nations COGIC) and later his father, Pastor Lionel Sutton, Sr. , Full Assurance COGIC , where he was the minister of music . Along with his siblings, they formed "The Sutton Children," trio being showcased on many programs f a r and around the La East First J urisdiction; and countless churches throughout their community.

In 1996, Brother Eljay 's gift caught the attention of National Sunshine Band leaders and he was featured as lead singer on "A Child's Prayer," the opening track for the album, Chosen Generation and again in 1998 the opening track "Hallelujah" in Atlanta, Ga. Eljay's singing was only matched by his love for music, as he developed into a talented drummer, keyboardist, and organist. He also served with the Harmony Saints Aflame District (Superintendent John H. Tillman , and District Missy Deloris Tillman ) and as a tenor in the LA East First Jurisdictional Mass Choir.

Eljay was connected and served many churches and ministries throughout Louisiana, Mississippi and numerous other states many of all faiths spreading his gift of singing and playing. One of h is most cherished fellowship was with the El S haddi United Ministries of Slidell, La under the leadership of Apostle Stokes where he was a cherished musician, servant, friend, brother and Ambassador , also musician for House Of God Ministries in Greensburge , LA, under the leadership of a faithful friend Pastor D. Stovall.

Cherishing his loving memories are his parents, Pastor Lionel , Sr. and Missionary Rena Sutton, his siblings Jared L. Sutton and Jalena M. Sutton, a loving and devoted fiancé Alexandr e a and precious daughter Aniylee Highsmith, grand parents: Billie M. Holmes and Ruth Foster, a great uncle and aunt s, 15 aunts, 11 uncles and a host of special friends that will be acknowledged at a later date and a host of cousins, friends and their entire famil ies .