Koreem Jamal

Ozier

A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Koreem “Golden Child” Ozier

Koreem “Golden Child” Ozier, 27, of Racine, Wisconsin, was born on March 29, 1999, to his loving parents, Renessa Joplin and Demetrus Ozier. He passed away on September 20, 2026.

Koreem had a gift for making people feel loved. He was outgoing, upbeat, and respectful; he was always ready with a hug or a word of encouragement. No matter what was happening in his own life, he found a way to lift someone else’s spirits. He never left his loved ones without saying, “I love you.”

Koreem loved his family, his friends, and basketball, but nothing made him prouder than his baby girl, Kacey Nicole Ozier. He treasured time with those closest to him, especially over his favorite meal of fried chicken and rice with “red sauce.” Most recently, he had started multiple business ventures, working to build a future for himself and his family. The people he loved were at the heart of everything he did.

Basketball was part of Koreem’s life from an early age. He spent his childhood playing at nearly every community center he could get to, with the George Bray Neighborhood Center as his home court, where he developed a special relationship with Al-Haj Jameel Ghauri. There, he developed the skills and love for the game that would carry him from Racine to a professional basketball career.

At Case High School, Koreem became the boys' basketball program’s all-time leading scorer with 1,405 points, surpassing 1,000 points in just two seasons. As a senior, he averaged 30.4 points per game and scored a Racine County record 50 points in a single game. His honors included 2017 Southeast Conference Player of the Year, Racine County Player of the Year, AP Second-Team All-State, and selection to the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game.

Koreem continued his basketball journey at Sacred Heart University, where he earned Northeast Conference All-Rookie honors, and later at the University of Louisiana-Monroe. After college, he fulfilled his dream of playing professional basketball overseas in Morocco and China. Even as the game took him far from home, Koreem returned to Racine during his offseasons to host free youth basketball camps and encourage young athletes. Giving back to his community was a source of pride for him.

Koreem’s mentor and coach, Wally “Wop” Booker, was a steady presence in his life. Wally began guiding Koreem when he was six years old and remained close to him into adulthood. Their bond was one of the many relationships Koreem treasured. Throughout his life, Koreem

was guided by many coaches across different sports. Each played an important part in his journey, and he loved them all.

Koreem leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Kacey Nicole; his mother, Renessa Joplin; his father, Demetrus Ozier; his grandmothers, Wanda Joplin Villarreal (Nani Villarreal) and Diedre Ozier; his grandfather, Gregory Johnson; and his siblings, K’Mareon Mayweather, Kamron Ozier, Kyrie Smith, Demetrus Jr., Demetrion, Deallen, Demetrasia, Deasia Ozier-Simmons, Dekayla, Decarieana, D’aireonna, Aniyah Sutton, Demetrianna, and Damiyah.

He is also remembered by his aunts and uncles, Regina Slack, Rakeem Slack, Desiree Bell, Gregory Ozier (Pamela Ozier), Antoinette Ozier, Michael Ozier, Nicole Ozier, David Ozier, and Mary Ozier; his special cousins, Lamont Koker, Jeremy Koker, Gregory Ozier Jr., Savontae Underwood, Keshari Gordon, and Alexis Wilson; his special friends, Anthony Bennett and Javion Scaife; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his granddad, Ralph Slack; his grandfather, Michael Statam; his great-grandmother, Gertrude Gordon; aunts, Alicia Gordon-Gister, Shanda Barnes, Rhonda Gordon, and Nina Ozier; and his special cousin, Kadejah “Sumo” Gordon.

Those who knew Koreem will remember his smile, his hugs, and the love he always made sure to say out loud. His family and friends will carry that love with them always.

A viewing will be held at Racine Memorial Hall  (7th Street & Lake Avenue in Racine) on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m., with the celebration of Koreem’s life and legacy beginning at 12 noon. Procession to Graceland Cemetery will follow.

Those wishing to honor Koreem may share a memory or a message with his family, send a card, or contribute toward the repast. Floral arrangements can be ordered through Flowers by Walter or Petals by Felicia.

YOU MAY SELECT THE LINK BELOW TO WATCH THE RECORDING OF KOREEM's FUNERAL:

 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/dc3qgq28j48j94rg4yd36/Service-for-Koreem-Ozier.mp4?rlkey=5cqbmrd50f6wegccqwrv32mit&st=2mw7y2hu&dl=0