By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – Jacksonville, FL – The music community and fans of the late rapper Lil Poppa are preparing to collectively mourn his passing as details for his funeral service have been finalized and shared. The announcement, made by his sister Orieon Wheeler, reveals that the rapper’s final farewell will be a public affair, offering an opportunity for those who wish to pay their respects in person, while also providing a livestream for those unable to attend.
The service is scheduled to take place this Saturday, March 7th, at the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church, located in Lil Poppa’s hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. The church doors will open to the public, allowing fans, friends, and family to gather and honor the life of Janarious Mykel Wheeler, known professionally as Lil Poppa. However, attendees are being advised of stringent security measures that will be in place. To ensure the solemnity and privacy of the occasion, the venue will strictly prohibit the use of mobile phones, Meta glasses, and any other recording devices. Furthermore, attendees will not be permitted to bring handbags or purses into the church. These measures are intended to maintain a focused and respectful environment for the memorial.
Recognizing that not everyone will be able to physically attend the service, Lil Poppa’s sister, Orieon Wheeler, also confirmed that the funeral will be accessible via a livestream. This thoughtful provision ensures that fans from across the globe can join in remembrance and offer their condolences remotely. The livestream will be broadcast on Lil Poppa’s official YouTube channel, commencing at 10 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. This digital offering aims to bridge geographical distances and unite the artist’s widespread fanbase in a shared moment of grief and tribute.
Lil Poppa’s untimely death on February 18th sent shockwaves through the hip-hop world. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office officially attributed his passing to a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. This tragic event followed a single-car accident, casting a somber shadow over the circumstances of his death. The news of his departure left many in disbelief and deep sorrow, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fellow artists, friends, and fans.
Among those deeply affected by Lil Poppa’s loss is Toie Roberts, the mother of his three-year-old son, Kofi J’nar. Roberts shared a profoundly emotional message on her Instagram page, articulating the immense pain and heartbreak she is experiencing. She described the difficulty of coming to terms with their new reality and questioned the suddenness of his departure, describing it as "torturing."
Despite the overwhelming grief, Roberts found solace in the cherished memories she shares with Lil Poppa and the enduring love they both hold for their son, Kofi. Her message, a testament to their bond, conveyed a sense of acceptance and a hope for his peace. "Janarious, [I] got J’nar. You go on & get your rest," she wrote, acknowledging his need for peace. "We’ll be fine. [Thank] you FOR EVERYTHING, from the bottom of my heart," she expressed, conveying her gratitude for their time together. Her heartfelt closing, "We love you so much & we’re going to miss you endlessly in this lifetime!" underscored the profound impact Lil Poppa had on her life and their shared future.
The legacy of Lil Poppa, born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, will continue to live on through his music and the memories he created. His distinctive flow and lyrical prowess had begun to carve out a significant space for him in the music industry, and his loss is felt keenly by those who followed his career trajectory. The public funeral and livestream are intended not only as a final goodbye but also as a collective acknowledgment of his impact and a means for his supporters to begin the process of healing together. The community now prepares to honor a young artist whose life was cut short, but whose artistic contributions will undoubtedly endure.