Van Michael Elliott

A TIME TO REMEMBER On May 4, 1959, Van was the third child born to the late Rev. Alfred and Virginia Elliott in Baltimore, Maryland. In accordance with the promise of God’s Word, he transitioned from physical labor to spiritual rest on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. A TIME TO LIVE Van’s parents transitioned when Van was young, and he was raised by his sister Charlene and her husband, A. Marquis Williams. Van was educated in The Baltimore City School System and, in 1978, graduated from Northern High School, where he was a star football player. He attended Bowie State University to pursue a degree in Sociology. He later married his high school sweetheart Yvonne Elliott on May 3, 1986, and together they raised four children as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and anyone else that needed love and attention. Van worked as a Correctional Officer at Montgomery County Detention Center. He left the Montgomery County Detention Center, worked for UPS as a Package Handler, and later became a Local Delivery Driver. Upon his retirement, he was a Feeder Driver, and part of the requirements for being a Feeder Driver was to have outstanding Customer Service Skills and attention to detail. Van was a “people person,” and he was loved and respected by those on his route. As a result, he received several letters and awards for his service to his customers; after 35 years of Outstanding Service, Van Retired. Van was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi and pledged at Bowie State University in 1981. He possessed all the qualities of an Omega Man. Van personified, “friendship is essential to the soul.” As a friend, Van could be trusted with your innermost secrets. He was loyal, supportive, compassionate, kindhearted, and forgiving as a friend. In Van, you had a friend. He was a life member of Omega Psi Phi, and his last event was helping ensure that everything was going to be perfect for an HBCU Sneaker Ball for Omega Psi Phi on the weekend before he transitioned. Van never allowed his Fraternity Brothers to know how sick he was but continued to plan. He lived his life on his terms. Now Van could put the P in a party and could dance the night away. He loved to entertain at his house and had the gift of Hospitality. He and Yvonne would always have a spread that would mimic a buffet from one of the finer restaurants. And when their guests left, they left with a full stomach, lots of laughs, and a to-go plate. Van believed in always giving others his best. A TIME TO SERVE, Van had a strong faith. His Christian roots were planted very early, and he accepted Christ at Whitestone Baptist Church. As an adult, he joined New Psalmist Baptist Church, served in many ministries, and served with gladness! He was past President of The Male Usher Board, a Discipleship Graduate, drove with The Transportation Ministry, and was a regular member of The Tuesday Night Bible Study and The Safety Response Team. Van was committed to his service to God and the Body of Christ. If Van had a theme song, we believe that as he traveled through life, he would be singing “If I can help somebody, as I travel along If I can help somebody, with a word or song If I can help somebody, from doing wrong No, my living shall not be in vain.” Van had the gift of helping others, the heart to listen to others, and the wisdom to pray for others. His work ethic was impeccable, and he worked long and hard. Van loved landscaping, so he was the proud owner of Elliot’s Landscaping and Snow Removal. Neither rain, snow, sleet, nor hail kept him from serving his customers with a smile. Van loved people and loved them unconditionally, and there was not much that he would not do to make life better for others. He and Yvonne were also the owners of Ashburton Catering. A TIME TO MOURN Van was preceded in death by his siblings Alfred, Juanita, Roslyn, Melvin, Carolyn, Joyce Wright, Joyce Sharpe Jackson, Elaine Sharpe Williams, Charles Elliott, and Charlene Elliott. He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife, Yvonne Elliott, daughters Shantel Rose and Keisha Elliott, and sons Keshawn DeAndre Elliott and Khyle Davon Elliott. Granddaughters Kailyn Rose and River Elliott; grandson Jaylen Rose, a loving and devoted mother-in-love Ruth Smith, sisters in laws Coria Elliott, Vendetta Pearson (James), Stella Knight, Tori Knight, Tavon Knight, Tianna Knight; his many godchildren whom he loved and favorite nieces Candis Hill and Venice Lewis.

Tributes

Van Michael Elliott

May 4, 1959 - April 5, 2023