The Pompano Beach, Florida, community came together on Friday night, December 5, to celebrate the life of Maurice Harrison, better known online as Girlalala, a rising TikTok creator whose influence extended far beyond social media.
According to Local 10, the gathering drew friends, relatives, and supporters who described Girlalala as someone who lived openly and encouraged others to do the same. Many attendees were visibly emotional as they reflected on a life that left a lasting impression in a short time.
A digital billboard outside the service looped images of Girlalala in colorful wigs and bold looks.
“We hope to keep her name alive. I can’t believe we’re at a funeral,” her aunt, Jazz Lesane, said during the memorial.
Girlalala had built a significant platform online, with nearly 300,000 followers on TikTok, where she became known for her confidence, humor, and unapologetic self-expression as a transgender creator. Loved ones said that authenticity was a major reason so many people felt connected to her.
“She would really just wake up and live her life,” Lesane added. “A lot of people were inspired by her living her truth, not being afraid.”
Authorities say Harrison was killed last month following an argument inside a car in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, her boyfriend, 25-year-old Shanoyd Whyte Jr., allegedly shot her during the dispute.
Deputies responding to the scene found Harrison seated in the front passenger seat with gunshot wounds. She was transported to a hospital, where she later died. Whyte was arrested and is being held at Broward County’s Main Jail on a charge of first-degree murder with a firearm.
Beyond her local impact, Girlalala was deeply rooted in South Florida’s trans community and had connections within music culture as well. She was a vocal fan of Miami rapper JT and frequently featured JT’s music in her TikTok videos. In a 2024 clip, the two appeared together, greeting each other affectionately and exchanging “I love you” on camera.
Following her death, JT reportedly donated $5,000 to a GoFundMe established to cover funeral expenses. The fundraiser has since surpassed $28,000.