Malik Mader

Malik Mader, age 18 passed unexpectedly on December 27th 2021 in Ocean Springs MS. Born on October 29th 2003 in Christiana Delaware to parents Colleen Mowrey and Michael Mader. He relocated to Ocean Springs as a young boy. Malik was a senior at the Ocean Springs High School. Though he had finished his academic requirements for early graduation, due to his passion for wrestling and to support his team, he intended to complete his senior year. His mother will be accepting his diploma at the Ocean Springs High School graduation this coming spring.

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

Malik not only danced in the rain, Malik wanted to dance in the rain. My son lived his life on his terms. He did not conform to social “norms.” But he was not a rebel. He was not rebelling against anything or anyone. He was a free-spirit a rare soul who lived in the present, and again, on his terms. He was a dreamer. With an unstoppable determination when he set his mind on something. He could enter a room and brighten it with his smile, his attitude, or just his presence. He had "It." Malik will forever be remembered for his selfless friendships. Selfless and unconditional love requires a great deal of character and persistence, Malik had the willingness to give without a thought of receiving anything in return. I often worried people would take advantage of his sincere nature. But over the past week I have come to see that Malik had profoundly touched the lives of many more people than I would have ever imagined. He was the friend that walked into your life and said “I’m here for you” and proved it. Though his years were short Malik found his life’s song and danced to music that most other people will search for their entire lives and never find.

Malik is survived by his loving Mother Colleen Mowrey, Father Michael Mader, Stepfather Lance Mowrey and his Sister Madelynne Mader. Grandparents Gaye Ritchie, Valerie Mowrey, Robert Mowrey of Ocean Springs MS, and Mary Mader of West Chester PA. Extended family Carl and Candy (Hanna) Adkins, Cara and Jeff Vickers, Jamie, Hanna and Ella Price, Shea and Sarah Qarqish, of Mississippi. Dawn and Joseph Darby of New Jersey. Mary and Luis Cifuentes, Monique Mader of Pennsylvania. Nina Ritchie of Pennsylvania.

He was preceded in death by his maternal Grandfather Lloyd Ray Adkins, paternal Grandfather Marty Mader and step Grandfather Gerald Ritchie.

Wrestlers compete as individuals yet the sport builds comradery like no other. Friendships among teammates are for life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to OSHS Wrestling Team OSHS- Athletic Office, 2730 Bienville Blvd., Ocean Springs, MS 39564. Please make checks out to: OSHS Wrestling Team and include a note on the check in honor of Malik Mader.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2022 with memorial services at 2:00 p.m. at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd., West Jackson County.

www.RiemannFamily.com