O’Shai Demond Coleman, the second son of Alicia Thomas and Ollie Coleman, Jr., was born March 31, 1993 in St. Louis, Missouri. His grandfather, Bruce Leon Thomas, Jr., and step-father, Kelley Phal Fowler preceded him in death.
O’Shai accepted Christ at an early age at Coleman-Wright C.M.E. Church under the leadership of Reverend George Jones. He served as a member on the Junior Usher Board.
O’Shai received his education at Cleveland Naval Jr. Academy. His ranks included: Freshman year, Seaman; Junior year Petty Officer 1st Class; Sophomore year, Petty Officer 2nd Class. He continued his education at McCluer North Senior High school in the Ferguson-Florissant School District where he graduated in 2011. In addition to excelling academically, O’Shai had a great passion and love for basketball.
O’Shai’s greatest accomplishment was his son, O’Shai Demond Coleman, Jr. His son was the world to him; his greatest joy shared with Ashley Hampton.
O’Shai left us on June 18, 2013 at DePaul Hospital at 2:55 p.m.
O’Shai’s memory will forever live on in his right-hand man, O’Shai, Jr. Left to cherish him are: his loving mother, Alicia Thomas; father, Ollie (Emily) Coleman, Jr.; devoted grandmother, Lanthie Holmes; grandmother, Kathy (Richard) Johnson; grandfather, Ollie Coleman, Sr.; brothers, Ollie III and Micah; sisters, Melynise and Tyra; god-sisters, Malia Harris and De’Ariah Collier; special aunt, Victorian McGee; special uncles, Barry Thomas and Bruce Thomas III; aunts: Sherita, Kavonna, Diontwanette (Maro), Louise and Cheryl; uncles: George, Tyrice (Keya), Carlos (Natasha) and Gerald; special friends: Kelian Thomas and Darione Thomas; along with a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.