Known for his dedication, each new place E’lan called home was just another opportunity to make new friends - and boy, did he have a knack for that! E’lan was often the life of the party, generous with his laughter and always ready with a quip or two. His humor, however, was matched only by his dedication to his education a proud graduate of Washington High School and his profession as an LPN. He was a giver, a caretaker, a healer. He had a way of turning even the most mundane nursing task into a comedy sketch, lightening the mood and bringing a smile to anyone in his vicinity.

Born in the gritty heartland of East Chicago, Indiana, on a chilly December day in 1994, E’lan spent his life bringing a little warmth everywhere he went. From his birthplace in Indiana to the vast expanses of Colorado and Nebraska, he was never one to shy away from an adventure.

When he wasn't spreading his contagious laughter and providing top-notch care, he could be found singing his heart out. Whether it was in the shower, in the car, or as part of the choir at his beloved home church Pentecostal Cathedral C.O.G.I.C, E’lan’s voice was a testament to his spirit – vibrant, powerful, and impossible to ignore. It's said in Proverbs 17:22, "A cheerful heart is good medicine," and E’lan was a living, breathing, singing embodiment of that verse. On September 22, 2024 Doogie’s life changed in the presence of his parents, doctors, nurses, and Sis. Theresa Miller when he rededicated his life to God and repented and asked for forgiveness for all of his doings. We find comfort in knowing that God’s grace was sufficient enough to accept him right in.

E’lan leaves behind a legacy as vast and diverse as the many places he called home. He is survived by his parents, Tommy Sr. and Sheila Stokes; A bonus father Bishop Flanders “J.R” (Val ) Carswell his siblings, Breyona Dennis, Keiyona (Al) Murray, Kimberly (Cedric ) Doaks, Tommy Jr., and Tony (Terra) Stokes; his grandmothers, Catherine Williams and JoAnn Hill; his aunts and uncles, (Special aunt) Vanessa Hill, Pamela (Earl) Townsend, Kathy Kirkendoll, Tonya ( Carl) Wiggins, Tarrance Frierson, Eddie (Freda) Stokes, Kenneth (Dora) Stokes, James (Angela) Stokes, Vincent Stokes, and Coleatha Ferguson. He also leaves a special cousin De’Antre Hill, nieces and nephews, Adrian Dennis, Jr. , Taylor Dennis, Davon Woods, Marquis Jefferson, Braylon Pippin, Tamariss Stokes, Tareema Stokes, Cassius Stokes, and great niece and nephew A’Zara Dennis and Hasante’ Parker. Also a special God Mother Roz Summerlin. Good friends Denise White, Erica Bryant, Chandler Cole, Jacob Francis, Stephanie Wright and God Son Ivan White.

Doogie was preceded in death by grandparents Charlie and Marie Sansone, Deacon Willie “Paw Paw” Williams, and Larry Hill. Nephews Brandon Dennis and Cameron Doaks.

If you knew E’lan, you knew laughter. If you knew E’lan, you knew love. And while his physical presence may be gone, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all those he touched. We invite you to share your memories of E’lan and upload photos to the memorial page. Let’s celebrate his life the way he lived it – with joy, laughter, and a song in our hearts.

11/24/2024 djb