Elijah Maasai Buie

With shattered hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Elijah Maasai Buie, who left this world far too soon at just 18 years old.

Elijah was born on November 21, 2007, at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, to his mother, Carol Buie, and father, Antonio Carlton, both of Atlanta. He was the beloved brother of Deja of Atlanta and Nakai of New York City.

Standing 6'6", Elijah had a presence that was impossible to miss. He was known for his infectious humor, warm smile, strong will, determination, kindness and the courage of a lion. He loved basketball, boxing, rap, and music, and he brought his own unmistakable energy wherever he went.

In May 2026, Elijah proudly graduated from Westlake High School. His family watched him cross that stage believing his adult life was just beginning.

Elijah should have had more time—more birthdays, more laughter, more accomplishments, more love, and more years to become the man he was meant to be.

He was deeply loved and adored by his mother, father, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and loved ones throughout the Buie and Carlton families.

For his mother Carol, Elijah was her only child and an irreplaceable part of her heart. She will forever carry the baby she held, the boy she raised, and the young man whose smile she would give anything to see one more time.

We will never define Elijah by how his life ended. We will remember how he lived, how he laughed, how he loved, and how deeply he was loved.

Elijah Maasai Buie was here. He mattered. He was loved beyond measure, and he will be missed for the rest of our lives.

Forever 18. Forever loved. Forever our Elijah.