Mr. Elon Levi Joseph Wizzart

August 26, 1955 - June 26, 2020

Elon Levi Joseph Wizzart, lovingly known as “Nick” was born to the late Joseph and Lurline Wizzart on August 26, 1955 in Jubilee Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica. He was the third child of five. He transitioned to be with the Lord on June 26, 2020. Nick received his education at August Town Primary School and Papine Junior Secondary High School in Kingston, Jamaica. He also attended Cobbler Youth Camp in Manchester, Jamaica, before immigrating to the United States on December 16, 1972, at the age of seventeen. He enrolled in Douglass High School in Baltimore, MD, where he met and formed close bonds and lifelong relationships, with special friends who became his family until this day. He graduated and received his high school diploma on June 4, 1975. At an early age, Nick possessed a maturity and surpassed level of intelligence that were far beyond his years. In addition, he didn’t listen to music in the same manner as others. He had an innate ability to not only hear music but was also able to compose and execute different melodic lines and observed complex laws of harmony and counterpoint. It was the same for musical instruments. If you put an instrument in his hand, Nick taught himself how to play it, and if he didn’t have the physical instrument in his possession, he would use common objects like stones, sticks, and pencils to form a beat. He played many instruments, including the drum and guitar, however, the piano was his safe haven. With a love and passion for the art of music, Nick enrolled in Baltimore City Community College (BCCC), where he earned an Associate’s Degree in Arts, with a specialization in Music, on June 4, 1978. After college, Nick obtained employment at The Port in Downtown, Baltimore, Maryland for several years. His innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, however, led him to step out on faith to start his own home painting company, that he successfully operated for many years. In 1974, Nick alongside his best friends, formed one of the first Reggae Bands in Baltimore Maryland, known as The Determination Band. The band recorded two smashing albums and cut singles in some of the most famous recording studios, including Bob Marley’s own Tuff Gong Studio. They traveled all over, performing their music, enjoying their friendship, and doing what they did best, which was move the crowd and get people to their feet singing and dancing. What they didn’t realize however, was they were not only popularizing the Reggae culture in Maryland but were also cultivating the artistic appreciation and celebration of Jamaica. Tragedy led to the demise of The Determination Band in 1986, however, Nick continued to pursue his music. In 1990, he formed his own recording company “Wizz Wizz Production,” and became a freelance pianist and songwriter for several bands and musicians in the DMV area. Nick became employed with Sweet & Spicy Foods, as a warehouse worker in 2015. Later, he learned of an open position as a cook at Alice Manor Nursing Home that was closer to his home. He became employed with the company in 2017. Initially, this career move was for convenience, however, Nick soon learned that he would become a part of a team that he loved and adored. He remained employed with Alice Manor as a cook until his untimely death. Fatherhood was something that Nick thrived in and thoroughly enjoyed. Everywhere he went, he raved about his four children, Dr. Keisha Wizzart, Vallin Wizzart, Jon-Paul Wizzart, and the late Ashley Wizzart, who preceded him in death two months before he passed. His kids could do no wrong. Whatever support they needed; Nick found a way to provide. The answer “no” was never an option. Whereas most fathers are the disciplinarian, Nick was the total opposite. He was the parent that never judged, never fussed, and never so much as raised his voice. His smile, funny jokes, and boundless support were all the comfort his children needed to know how much he loved and cared for them. Although Nick loved his children, becoming a grandfather was by far one of the highlights of his life. He always prayed to live to see his grandkids, so when Kaydin and Kyrin Hill were born, they became the ultimate loves of his life. You would often find him popping up at their schools to peek on them in their classrooms or riding them on his bike. One of their favorite games was the “Neckbone” tickling game, that always had the three of them laughing so hard until they fell to the floor. He was looking forward to giving them piano lessons this summer. Bob Marley said, “The good thing about music is that when it hits you, you feel no pain.” This could be the reason that Nick always had a smile on his face. If you asked anyone to describe his character the words “loving,” “loyal,” “kind,” and “giving,” are just a few attributes that you would hear. Like Frank Sinatra, he lived life to the fullest and he did it his way. He was a man of little words, but his smile was infectious, and his heart was bigger than life itself. He volunteered his time feeding the homeless with the Israel Foundation, and if he couldn’t attend, he assisted by cooking the warm meals himself. Nick was an easygoing man who rode his bike everywhere he went, despite having the means to transportation. He chose to stay home writing songs and playing his piano, rather than partying. Take him on an all expense shopping spree and he’ll choose “Army” over “Armani.” “Bob Marley” T-shirts over “Balenciaga,” and a comfy pair of Clarks over name brand shoes any day. Nick enjoyed cooking. He was the honoree jerk chicken griller at every family function. He also loved to eat. Some of his favorite foods were oxtail, curry goat, stew peas, goat head soup, and brown stew fish. He loved water and enjoyed swimming and going fishing out on the boat. Nick was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Lurline Wizzart, daughter Ashley Wizzart, brother Alvin Allen, Nephew Nekoro Brown, and Uncle Emmanuel Wizzard. He is survived by his devoted and loving daughter Dr. Keisha Wizzart (fiancé Tyran), Vallin Wizzart, and son Jon-Paul “Theo” Wizzart; Two grandsons, Kaydin and Kyrin Hill; Sisters Pamela Wilson (husband, Alrick) and Ophelia Brown (husband, Delroy), and brother Jeneloy Wizzart (wife, Carol); Aunts Mary Wizzard and Martha Wizzard-Wilkes; Nieces Nadine Wizzart, Alisia Wilson, and Shemika Brown; Nephews Karlton Wizzart, Shaka Brown, Jermaine Wizzart, and Linval Bennett; Great Nieces, Kaila, Cyonna, Jah’Vonni, Syrai, Caylee, and Kinsey and Great Nephews, Kingston, Neiko, and Caleb; Godson Derrick “Gary” Lamb; Best friends/Sisters-in-Love, Dawn, Pinchie, and Phyllis; Son-in-Love Derron Bailey; Special friend and life mate, Della, and a host of relatives, friends, and co-workers who will miss him greatly. To Those Whom I loved & Those Who Love Me When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do, You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears, But be thankful we had so many good years. I gave you my love, and you can only guess How much you've given me in happiness. I thank you for the love that you have shown, But now it is time I traveled on alone. So, grieve for me a while, if grieve you must, Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It is only for a while that we must part, So treasure the memories within your heart. I won't be far away for life goes on. And if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near. And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear, All my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and a 'Welcome Home'. The love, friendship, and bond we shared was invaluable. I’m sad that you’re gone, but I take comfort in knowing that you knew just how much I loved you. You knew just how much you meant to me and your grandsons. Any obstacles that ever stood in your way, I pushed you aside to battle them myself. However, this was one that I had no control of. You are my father, but first and foremost, you are the son of God, so I must trust in Him and know that He makes no mistakes. We will reunite in Heaven one sweet day, but until then, I will continue to make you proud and will carry you in my heart forever. God knows I’m going to miss your daily phone calls on your lunchbreaks and “midnight” calls for me to listen to a new song that you wrote. Oh, what I wouldn’t do to have once last phone call from you. I love you daddy. Love, Keisha AKA Your Twin We love you grandpa. You are our best friend. Thank you for always playing the “neckbone” tickling game with us and chasing us around the house. Thank you for taking us to the store to get snacks and always telling us that you love us. We are going to miss you grandpa. Love, Kaydin and Kyrin (Your Grandsons) Thank you for always being there for me. I’m going to miss our calls and hearing you saying at the end of our conversation, “I love you Jon-Paul!” Love, Jon-Paul Wizzart A Better Place He’s in a better place right now than he’s ever been before, All pain is gone, he’s now at rest. Nothing troubles him anymore. It’s we who feel the burden of our sadness and our grief, We have to cry, to mourn our loss before we get relief. We know we’ll reconnect with him at the end of each life’s road, We’ll see his warm bright smile again when we release our earthly load. Love you always Nick, From your J.B.R Red Parrot Family You gave me life. You saved my life. There’s almost no words to describe the man you are. To me you will always be an advice giver, a knowledgeable provider, and an unselfish human being. I am proud to call you… Dad! Love, Vallin Wizzart