I have fought a good fight, I finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:and not to me only, but unto all of them also that love his appearing.        II Timothy 4:7-8

Elijah Barnes was the son of the late Peter Barnes and the late Estelle Anderson Barnes. Born on April 13, 1937 in Berkeley County, SC, he was the second oldest of seven children. He grew up in the church of Good Shepherd Reformed Episcopal Church of Bonneau, SC.

Elijah was educated at Bonneau Elementary School and graduated from Russellville High School.  At a young age Elijah migrated up North and made his home in Jersey City, NJ.  He met and married the love of his life Nancy L. Nelson on Oct 1, 1960, and was happily married for 62 years. From this union three children were born: Elijah Anthony, Anita Joy and Cathy Lolita.

Elijah worked many jobs. Until his retirement, he worked at Texaco in Bayonne, NJ for over 30 years without a sick day as a Barge Foreman. Elijah was affectionately known as "Eli" to his co-workers.

Elijah joined Redeemer Reformed Episcopal Church of Jersey City, NJ under the direction of Rev. Booker T. Lloyd. Elijah did EVERYTHING IN THE CHURCH. He served on the Vestry Board, was the Junior and Senior Warden, Superintendent of Sunday School, Lay Reader, Bible Study Teacher, and sang on the Adult Choir, Mass Choir and Male Chorus.  He was the Chairman of many organizations.  He was a role model to the youth and a father figure to many and well respected by all.  He also had words of wisdom to offer anyone who needed it.  Elijah also filled in for the Pastor as a Speaker many times.  Let's just say Elijah did it all.

Elijah  and Nancy moved to Elloree, SC in 2015, and he rejoined Good Shepherd Reformed Episcopal Church. He began teaching Sunday School when needed and stepped in to help the church as the Lay Reader until his passing.  He also participated in the Bible Study as a teacher.  Elijah loved the church.

In his spare time, Elijah would be heard yelling at the TV watching his beloved NY Knicks and the Jets. He was also a diehard Mets Fan. He loved shooting pool and playing Solitaire on the computer.

Elijah transitioned into eternal rest with the Lord on March 18, 2022 at the Regional Medical Center, Orangeburg, SC.

Elijah leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 62 years, Nancy L. Barnes (Nelson); his son Elijah Anthony (Tony) Barnes; daughters, Anita Joy Barnes, Cathy Lolita Simmons and Valerie D. Robinson of Jacksonville, FL.

Grandchildren: Cassaundra Simmons, Jade Simmons, Murrell L. Robinson, Ranada Demmons, Aaron Moultrie Jr., and Brandon Moultrie.

Great-Grandchildren: Brooklynn Wiggins, Amair Wall, Allani Robinson, Asaih Robinson, Ariana Robinson, Arel Robinson, Amari Demmons, Diamonte Demmons, Jamal Moultrie, Treyvon Moultrie, Zane Moultrie and Cairo Moultrie

Elijah leaves to mourn: his siblings, William Barnes (Patricia) Jacksonville, FL, Peter Barnes of St. Stephen, SC, John Barnes (Pathenia) of Delaware, MD and Julius Barnes (Burnie) of St. Stephen, SC; Godchildren, Debra Barkley and Juanita Cleveland; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by: daughter Barbara Ann Moultrie; brother Benjamin Barnes; and sister Mildred Culberth.

Viewing will be held Friday, March 25, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home (Moncks Corner). Graveside Service will be held Saturday, March 26, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Reformed Episcopal Church Cemetery, 2898 North Highway 52, Bonneau, SC, with viewing from 12:30 p.m. until time of service. The service will be live streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gethersfh

Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.