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With hearts forever changed, we celebrate the beautiful life of Mayakaahla Kye “Mike” Giscombe, who was called home on November 26, 2025, at the age of 30. Mike had just joyfully celebrated his birthday on November 4, stepping into a new decade with hope, growth, and the same radiant spirit he carried throughout his life. A loving son, father, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, Mike touched every soul he encountered with warmth, humor, generosity, and quiet strength.
Mike was born on November 4, 1995, in Queens Village, New York. When his baby sister Alyssa Jr. arrived on July 17, 1997, Mike greeted her with open arms and overwhelming excitement. Their bond was so close that many thought they were twins—inseparable in spirit and presence. Their mother lovingly referred to them as her “untwins.”
In the years that followed, Mike welcomed his younger siblings Gemarial and Gemaya with the same pride, joy, and protective big-brother love. He formed a unique and unbreakable bond with each of them—so strong that every sibling could truthfully say, “Mike was my best friend.” His connection with his brother Gemarial grew into a remarkable brother-to-brother friendship. As they matured, they became inseparable—a beautiful relationship that uplifted and inspired everyone who saw it.
Mike began his educational journey in Queens Village. After the family relocated to Covington, Georgia, he continued his schooling at Ficquett Elementary and then at Rocky Plains Elementary—where his father, Gerard, was also a teacher. Mike loved that his dad was in the same building every day, and that familiarity strengthened their bond and filled him with pride.
He was homeschooled by his mother, Alyssa Giscombe-Vern Sr., during 7th and 8th grade, deepening their connection and giving him room to flourish academically and personally. He returned to traditional school for high school and graduated from Newton High School, later continuing his education at Tennessee State University.
High school was where one of Mike’s greatest passions came alive: music. He joined the Newton High School Sound Factory Marching Band and the Symphonic Band, becoming a devoted member of the percussion section. There, he mastered the bass drum, snare, and quints—creating rhythms that would become part of his identity. Music brought him lifelong friendships, discipline, and joy.
His parents never missed a moment of his musical journey. Whether at football games, parades, or special performances, they were always in the crowd cheering. When parents were asked to march with the band for safety and support, Mike’s mother gladly stepped in—proudly marching beside her son, sharing the experience and watching him shine up close. At home, Mike even had his own drum set, filling the house with music, energy, and life.
As he grew older, Mike’s love for music deepened. He taught himself to write lyrics and create beats, immersing himself in the world of sound and expression. Music became his personal language—one he shared with the people he loved most. He created songs with Alyssa Jr., Gemaya, and Gemarial, building memories that will last forever. Their creative sessions were filled with laughter, unity, and pure sibling chemistry—treasured moments that now stand as part of his legacy.
On November 21, 2021, Mike became a father to JaKai King Giles, born on the same day as Mike’s beloved grandmother, Lucille Giscombe. This divine alignment made JaKai’s birth even more meaningful. Becoming a father shaped Mike’s purpose in life. He loved his son deeply, proudly, and with unwavering commitment.
Mike also had a deep love for gaming and digital creativity. Known online as “Lor Poppy”—a name honoring his grandfather whom he called Poppy—Mike became part of a thriving gaming community that spanned years of friendships and shared experiences. He was known for going live, hosting exciting events, and forming meaningful bonds with other gamers. His love for waves led him to create a YouTube channel called “360 Poppy,” a clever play on how his waves spun 360 degrees. These creative outlets were an extension of his vibrant personality and magnetic spirit.
In the months, weeks, and even hours leading up to his passing, Mike worked tirelessly. He carried the weight of adulthood and responsibility with determination—working hard to build a stable life for his child and to meet every obligation with integrity. His work ethic, dedication, and quiet resilience were admired by everyone who knew him.
Mike leaves behind a legacy of love, rhythm, loyalty, humor, and unforgettable presence. His light was bright—bright enough to touch his parents, his siblings, his son, his family, his friends, and everyone blessed to cross his path. To know Mike was to love him. To love Mike was a gift, and his spirit will continue to live on in every beat, every memory, every story, and every heart he touched.
He was preceded in death by his father, the late Gerard R. Vern; his grandparents, Lucille and Alfonso Giscombe; his great-grandparents; his great-aunts; and several dear friends who went before him. He leaves behind his loving mother, Alyssa Giscombe-Vern Sr.; his biological father, Michael Don “Mayakaahla” Morgan; and six siblings: Alyssa Jr., Gemarial, Gemaya, Naqam, Malachi, and Meyah. He leaves behind his beloved son, JaKai King Giles, and his cherished nephew, Legacy Royal. He leaves behind his childhood lifelong best friends, Jeffery Smith, Ashad Robinson, and Kanyn Martin, who stood by him through every season of life. He leaves behind other family members, cousins, and friends who loved him deeply and were forever touched by his presence.
A visitation will be held Saturday, December 13th from 11:00AM until the hour of servce; a Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 13th at 1:00PM in our chapel.
You may view the funeral on this youtube link: https://youtube.com/live/3WPNeXe25lU
Service entrusted to Boston-Hill Funeral & Cremation Service 404.228.1067
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maykaahla Kye Giscombe, please visit our floral store.