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In a heartfelt gathering at Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church, family and friends came together on Saturday to celebrate the life and legacy of rapper Lil Poppa.
Among the grieving attendees were Toie Roberts, the daughter of music mogul Rick Ross, and her young son, Kofi J’nar. Kofi is the child she shared with the late artist, adding a poignant layer to the day’s events.
On the following day, Roberts took to Instagram to post moving photographs from the memorial service, capturing moments of remembrance and mourning.
One particularly touching image featured Kofi gently leaning in to kiss his mother, with both posing solemnly outside the church. Their attire reflected the somber occasion, with Kofi donning a white shirt, black vest, and matching slacks, accentuated by a stylish green bow tie, sunglasses, and polished dress shoes.
Another photograph captured Roberts standing by her son, holding an elegant arrangement of blue roses shaped into a heart, symbolizing the love and memories they hold dear.
A message card attached to the arrangement read:
“Shani & Kofi Love You So Much & We’re Going To Miss You Endlessly! See Ya Later, Never Bye! #afterlifers.”
Roberts later shared more moments from the memorial on her Instagram Stories, including a black-and-white photo of Kofi paired with a message about motherhood.
“The reason. the motivation. the best thing that ever happened to me. ∞ sometimes life don’t go as planned but mommy gone always b 10 toes bout ya! NO MATTER WHAT. forever us twinnnnnnnnn. #MINE.”
Lil Poppa, whose real name was Janarious Mykel Wheeler, died Feb. 18 at age 25.
Following his death, Roberts addressed the loss in a message on social media while reflecting on raising their son without his father.
“What i’m supposed to tell our bayboy?¿ what’s the big 3 without you P?” she wrote. “MY SON LOST HIS FATHER! i will never take that lightly! when everybody move on with their lives, it’ll still b me and our son living in it.”
Roberts ended the tribute by speaking directly to the late rapper, saying, “Janarious, i got J’nar. you go on & get your rest,” she wrote. “thank you FOR EVERYTHING, from the bottom of my heart. we love you so much & we’re going to miss you endlessly in this lifetime.”