The Lord Giveth

O'Lijah Zynell McKinney went to his heavenly home on August 5, 2019 at the age of 10 years old, following a winning battle of neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. The side effect of chemotherapy led to pulmonary fibrosis disease of the lung.

The Lord Blesseth

O'Lijah was born in Albany, Georgia on January 28, 2009 to Nastasia Collins and Orento McKinney. He was a positive, outspoken, courageous young person with the faith of a giant. No matter what was going on with O, he always said I'm good, and that God had him. He was loved by all he encountered and left a lasting impression on thousands. O'Lijah was a special person. He proudly stated that he wanted to be a policeman when he grew up. O'lijah also loved basketball and his tablet. He was a Steeler fan by way of his die-hard Steeler fan father. O'Lijah's favorite food was crab legs.

O'Lijah attended Northside Elementary School where he was loved by staff and students alike. He is described as sweet, humble, loving and strong. They expressed their outpouring of love with cards, calls, texts and visits to Egleston Children's Hospital.

The Lord Taketh

After O'Lijah was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis disease in June 2018, he rarely lost his spirit. Even when confined to a hospital bed for extended periods, he entertained himself daily by playing games on his tablet and snapchatting family & friends near and far on his cell phone. He never complained, he always wore a smile.

The Lord Restoreth

O'Lijah's memory will forever be cherished by his parents: Nastasia Collins and Orento McKinney (Erica); brothers: Shannon McKinney (Brittney), DeMontavian Holton, Semaja Miller; sisters: Sekelia Tift, Orina McKinney, Khloe Collins-Sherrod; grandparents: John and Essie McKinney Sr., Fannie Binn, JoAnna Collins; nieces: Bri'Shanty McKinney and Alania Nix; nephews: Zyon McKinney and Shannon McKinney Jr.; aunts: Kewana Jackson, Myeshia Collins, Dorothy Jenkins, Jessica McKinney, Stephanie Johnson (Abraham), Benaventa McKinney; uncles: Montavious Collins, Donnell White (Arika), Andrew Davenport, Bobby McKinney (Evelyn), John Will McKinney, Jr., Maverick McKinney (Cassandra), Dexter McKinney (Jackie), and Sherrod McKinney; a special friend (future wife): Tyler Adams; and a host of loving cousins and friends.