Elijah “Eli” Scott Cruz-Crocker, 12, of Columbus, Georgia, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Arthur M. Blank Hospital-Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Visitation for family and friends will be held at 5:00 P.M., Friday, September 26, 2025, in the St. Elmo Hall at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, Georgia. Visitation will then continue for family and friends at Elijah’s home: 4425 Bentwood Drive, Columbus, Georgia from 7:30 – 10:00 P.M. A Mass service to celebrate Elijah’s life will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. in the sanctuary of St. Anne Catholic Church, Columbus, Georgia with Father Winchel.
Elijah Scott Cruz-Crocker was born November 3, 2012, in Columbus, Georgia, son of Angela Marie Miller Cruz and Randy Scott Crocker.
Elijah attended Midland Middle School and is a former student at St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School. Charismatic, charming, loving, energetic are a few characteristics that are described by many about Elijah. His educators would always say, “He is silly, funny and always has a smiling face.” Eijah’s love for life was matched not only by his kindness and generosity, he never met a stranger, always made others feel welcome, and had an unmatched ability to make every moment count. His boundless energy and love will live on through the precious gift of organ donation, a reflection of his compassionate and giving heart. Elijah brought endless joy, curiosity, and laughter into the lives of everyone who knew him. He was a bright and adventurous spirit, always ready to take on any challenge- whether it was learning new songs, testing out another “corny dad joke,” or perfecting his collection of foreign accents. His Russian, Indian and Asian impressions could light up a room, and his passion for LEGO’s, Pokemon, and animal facts showed his remarkable creativity and intellect.
Elijah is survived by his mother, Angela M. M. Cruz and stepfather, Darren P. Monaco; siblings, Christiana “Tora” Harris (Evan Harris), Leila M. Cruz Lesh, Isabella J. Cruz Crocker; stepsisters; EmmaKate Monaco and Lillian W. Monaco; Nephew and Niece, Theodore M. Harris and Echo S. Harris; Godfather, A.J. Apiag; his father, Randy S. Crocker and stepmother Ashley W. Crocker; stepbrothers, Tyler and Kellen Gornall; maternal grandparents, George Faustino Finona Cruz; deceased: Billie Jean Cruz-Hill and paternal grandparents, Donald Crocker; deceased: Eva Crocker; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Arrangements are in the care of Strifler-Hamby Mortuary of Columbus, Georgia.
