It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my younger sister, Maael Elkins at the young age of 47. When making calls to tell family and friends about her unfortunate passing and leaving her sons Aaron and Tyler behind, everyone was in total shock but shared a story or two about her contagious laugh and many fond memories that they had with her.

Although Maael was experiencing some recent health challenges, we just knew that her strong will to live and her change in her lifestyle when it came to eating and focusing on her health would get her through those challenges. Maael was visiting our paternal cousin in San Diego because she was planning to relocate there and get her sons out of the chaos that many young black men experience growing up in Los Angeles. She was sooo excited about moving to San Diego and starting a new life there.

Maael did everything in her power to protect her sons, and this move was going to be good for all of them. While visiting last weekend looking for places to live, Maael started having trouble breathing and assured my cousin that she was ok and that she was “just trying to get myself together.” My cousin called the paramedics after she saw that she had become unresponsive. Fortunately, my cousin had someone in her home that was medically trained, and she started to perform CPR. By the time the paramedics arrived, they were able to stabilize her and take her to the hospital, where she later succumbed to her condition.

An autopsy has been performed because she was so young, but we will not know the exact cause of death for some time. Unfortunately, Maael did not have life insurance, so as a family, we are asking for help with the financial costs associated with her final request to be buried with her mother at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, CA and giving her a beautiful memorial service.

Our family wants to thank everyone for the calls, cards, text messages, food and kind words already extended. We also want to thank you in advance for your

contribution. No donation is too small. This is the breakdown of the costs: Cremation- $1650 & Burial/ Memorial service- $10,350. You can also donate CashApp: $Maaelsmemorial

May God bless you and your family!!!