Mother of Jacksonville rapper Lil Poppa creates foundation in his name

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Orie Lynn Hickson, the mother of late Jacksonville recording artist Janarious Wheeler, has established a new organization called More to Life in memory of her son. Wheeler, who performed under the rap name “Lil Poppa,” died earlier this year.

The foundation was created to turn Hickson’s grief into a positive community effort based on a vision Wheeler shared before his death. More to Life will focus its initiatives on mental health, opportunity and expression.

The organization aims to positively impact the city and community that helped shape the local musician. Hickson created the foundation to address key wellness and personal development needs while keeping her son’s legacy alive.