More than 500 friends and family members gathered at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church on Friday, Nov. 6 to say goodbye to 19-year-old Brian Keith Golliday II.
Golliday, a 2009 graduate of Imagine Academy of Careers, was heralded into glory by remarks from friends, family and former coworkers from the Forest Park Boat House and the Missouri Botanical Gardens.
Morning Star Pastor Rev. K James McCaskill eulogized Golliday saying, “Brian was indeed a trendsetter in his dress and a pacesetter in life.”
Active in the church, McCaskill said that Golliday did things differently than most youth. “Instead of taking his girlfriend Daizy out to dinner, he brought her to church … and she joined,“ McCaskill said.
McCaskill said Golliday epitomized the rap hit by Soulja Boy “Turn My Swag On.” After reciting a few lines to the song – “Hopped up out the bed, turn my swag on, took a look in the mirror said what’s up? Yeah, I’m getting money” – McCaskill pointed out that Golliday was spiritual enough to relate his love for God into thanks and appreciation for life, this song and other gospel classics.
McCaskill reminded youth that Golliday was ready to meet God because he was always a willing, obedient worker. McCaskill challenged responsible adults not to criticize youth for their clothing and pop culture, but to reach out and touch their hearts. He noted the day’s attendance was a testimony to Golliday’s impact for Jesus Christ.
Golliday was scheduled to begin classes at Hickey College in Spring 2010. At his father’s request, he was laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks Memorial Cemetery.
Golliday is survived by his mother LaJuana Hall, father U.S. Veteran Brian Golliday I, sister Erica Williams, long-time girlfriend Daizy Winters, and a host of relatives and friends.