Mr. Elijah Thorne Sansom

Elijah Thorne Sansom, 75, of Peoria Heights, IL, formerly of Detroit, MI, made his transition into eternal rest on March 16, 2023, with his faithful canine companion, Josephine, by his side. Elijah was born to Elijah Sansom, of Laurel, Mississippi, and Carrie Ethel (Scales) Sansom, of Clarksdale, Mississippi, on October 11, 1947, in Detroit, MI. He married Diane Gantt in 1974. After they raised their three children, Jessonya, Natasha and Elija “Kamal”, sadly, their union ended in 1993. Elijah attended Chadsey High School in Detroit, MI, excelling in reading, science, football and track and field propelling him to the University of Michigan. In 1966, he boldly made the University of Michigan football team as a walk-on. He earned the nickname “Hammer” for his hard-hitting abilities. While at Michigan, he pledged the Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc. In 1970, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He dedicated 35 years of service to Caterpillar Inc. as a Senior Research Engineer and then retired as a distinguished Six Sigma Black Belt. Elijah had a unique eye for art and a love for photography. He was an entrepreneur, the owner of Film by E.T.S. Elijah was extremely generous with his time, skills, knowledge and resources volunteering and contributing to Peoria and the surrounding communities in many different capacities. His skills ranged from managing theater sound and lighting at the Peoria Players Theatre to fixing radios and pencil sharpeners. He selflessly donated funds to numerous non-profit organizations; however, his favorite was the Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS), formerly known as (PAWS). He was active with an endless list of organizations, including, but not limited to the following: Traveler Weekly (webmaster), Global Village (newsletter editor), The Heritage Ensemble, Peoria Art Guild, Illinois Art League, Peoria Tri-County Urban League, The Peoria Branch of the NAACP, The African American Hall of Fame Museum, Peoria County Animal Control and Protection Services, Lincoln Grade School (mentor), and Peoria Pathfinders ski club. He was also a Charter member of the Peoria Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc., established November 17, 1973. Elijah participated in over 30 community theater productions, primarily in the area of light design and sound. He displayed his artwork and photography at various art exhibits and won numerous awards. He loved the game of tennis and played throughout his adult life. He also competed in the Senior Olympics and won medals, including for the high jump. Some of the many other activities Elijah enjoyed were pickleball, golf, gardening, knitting, walking, and being a handyman. Elijah leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Jessonya Ravelle (Anthony) Fitzpatrick, and Natasha Anée Sansom; and his son, Elija Kamal (Shanna) Sansom; 10 grandchildren, Jazmyn, DeVonte’, Jocelyn, Jayla, Tavon, Jelena, Jessica, Elias, Eliott and Elianna; 4 great grandchildren, Jonathan, Jaya, Jayde and Jayceon; siblings, Sandra Harrison, Pamela Brown, Lorna Whitfield and Linda Rice; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He also leaves his loyal canine companion, Josephine. He was preceded in death by his father, Elijah “Rock” Sansom; his mother Carrie Ethel Sansom; and his beloved Weimaraner, Jacob Marley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peoria County Animal Control Protection Services/PAWS (2600 NE Perry Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603) and the Tri-County Peoria Urban League - www.tcpul.com (317 N. MacArthur Hwy, Peoria, IL 61605). A memorial service will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Bethel United Methodist Church, 210 N. Richard Pryor Place, Peoria, IL 61605. A visitation will begin at 1:30 pm. Pastor Tyson T. Parks, III. will officiate. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com. The service will be live streamed on Simons Mortuary's Website or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Simons-Mortuary-232095303487150 promptly AT THE TIME OF THE SERVICE (Central Time). Due to Covid-19, social distancing is encouraged to be consistent with recommendations from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral home directors have been instructed and should follow CDC guidelines on gatherings, including those directly related to funerals, visitations, or graveside services. *In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we ask that everyone in attendance: wear a face mask and refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands (as hard as it is to see someone you care about and not touch them). *It is our responsibility as Funeral Directors, to do everything we can to advise families in order to honor our beloved Families and to keep everyone as safe as possible. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Tributes

Mr. Elijah Thorne Sansom

October 11, 1947 - March 16, 2023