Elliott Christian

Obituary For Elliott Christian

ELLIOTT J. CHRISTIAN (ELLIOTT NATHAN SMITH) “CHRISTIAN PROPHET” transitioned into eternal life on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at his home in Steelton, PA. He was born in his family’s home at 726 High Street in Bressler, PA to the late Curtis and Sadie (Clark) Smith. He was the youngest of 12 siblings. He received his formal education in the Central Dauphin School District, where Elliott excelled in his studies. He was a high school wrestler, a National Junior Honor Society Award Winner and enjoyed roller-skating. Elliott continued his education at Howard University while maintaining a job as a full-time computer programmer. In the middle of his busy schedule, he still found time to play tennis, basketball and football for leisure and company sporting events. He was a young, driven, focused and ambitious man who had his feet firmly planted on the ground and his dreams sitting in the clouds. Those DREAMS envisioned a HARVARD EDUCATION IN LAW and a career in politics helping the LESS FORTUNATE and RESHAPING SOCIETY to benefit ALL and not SOME. His political ambition was showcased at his programming desk with sayings and quotes written on sheets of paper pasted on the walls around his desk. There was so much hope and idealism in him -- enough for three people. Elliott studied pre-med and received his B.A. in Sociology and Psychology from Howard University. He also graduated from Harvard University where he received his Jurist Doctorate Law Degree. He diligently researched, wrote and self-published four Christian books which are sold on Amazon. During his working career, Elliott was a NASA computer scientist in Washington, DC for PRC (Planning Research Corporation), an IT consultant for EDS, IBM, APPLE Computer and Wells Fargo Bank. Elliott was reared in Beulah Baptist Church of Steelton, where he served in ministry. His family later joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Steelton, where his Dad served as a Deacon. After many years of teaching wherever the Lord sent him, he finally found another place he could call his church home, Living Water Community Church in Harrisburg. Elliott taught Bible study at Living Water after Sunday morning worship services. He enjoyed attending Calvary Chapel Harrisburg West Shore for their monthly men’s Bible Breakfast and was a regular in Beulah’s weekly Sunday School Class. He held bi-weekly Bible studies at City Line Diner in Harrisburg and York Buffet, in addition to weekly teleconference Bible studies on Saturday evenings. His knowledge of scripture was immeasurable and he wanted to share it with anyone who was interested. In his leisure, Elliott enjoyed reading, growing and gifting roses, bird watching, playing tennis and volleyball, biking and fishing. He also loved traveling, lived and worked in Alaska and has driven across country several times. After spending six months on the road, he settled in San Francisco, CA. While attending a church member’s home Bible study group, Elliott befriended Debra Adele Curry of San Francisco. He became good friends with her pastor, Rev. Roland Tisdale, who helped him arrange a surprise proposal at a gospel concert where they both ministered in song in the presence of family, friends and 400 guests. She said “yes!” and they married in San Francisco on June 22, 1993. Their union was blessed with three children; Joy, Joshua and Jeremiah, who affectionately called him “PaPa”. In addition to his parents, 10 of Elliott’s siblings, Nehemiah, Floyd, Brevard “Tom”, Orlean, Horace, Eleanor, Florine, Grady, Raymond and Warren preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Debra Christian; his children, Cassius Clay Smith of Steelton, PA; Faith Sadie Jones of Concord, N. C.; Joy Mariah Curry Christian, Joshua Evan Curry Christian and Jeremiah (Israel) Arnold Curry Christian; his godson, Yakuh Askew of San Francisco, CA.; his sister, Pearl Lee Williams of Philadelphia, PA; his niece, Roselyn Frierson of Denver, CO, who was reared with him as his sister; through his son, Clay, Elliott has six grandchildren: Shapree (Steven) Pagliari, Carlos Barber, Alle’na Colbert, Brook Smith, Jordon Colbert and Carrington Colbert; through his daughter, Faith, Elliott has two grandchildren: Destiny and T.J. Jones; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Elliott’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, December 2nd at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary of his Church, 206 Oakleigh Avenue, with visitation 10:30 until 11:00 a.m. COVID-19 guidelines will be observed with masks and social distancing for all attendees.