Marshall Billips

Marshall Billips was born April 14, 1973 to Julia M. Billips and Marshall L. Wright, Sr. He is the second oldest of Julia’s four and the tenth of Marshall Sr’s. He came into this world with a smile as big as the sun and a personality to match. Michelle, Stephanie, and Curtis rounded out his siblings growing up. Life with Marshall was never dull; he could keep his family and friends captivated for hours with his legendary storytelling or playing dozens with his cousins. He was a comedic natural and also incredibly gifted with arts such as drawing, painting, and, of all things, making clothes. Marshall was a man of many talents and never failed to amaze us with his prowess. My brother may have been a class clown, but he proved to be just as smart as me (Stephanie) when he tutored me in Algebra and Chemistry. He had a rich baritone when singing and could bring tears to your eyes. Those fortunate enough to call him friend can relay his loyalty and accolades. He never met a stranger and was quick to give a smile or encouraging word. In 1995, Marshall married Yumeaka Jones. He proved to be an excellent father to her children Rikkia, Joshua, and Tiavious. He learned how to be so from her grandfather, who we lovingly called Paw-Paw. Since our grandfather had passed when we were extremely young, Marshall took to him immediately. Though the marriage ended on amicable terms, he continued with them for the remainder of his life. In 2007, he married Jessica Baker and had the blessing of being a father figure again to Samantha Baker. She was the little girl he always wanted, and he doted on her. Life being what it is, he departed ways with her mother and continued on. In 2012, Marshall met the love of his life Katie Dickerson. They were star-crossed from the start. Though they bore no children, the two of them had an enduring love that continues beyond his passing. Illness kept them from true happiness. She was also his last love until the end. There are not enough words to describe the fullness of life he lived with us. We will miss him so dearly. His days were not enough, but God calls His soldiers home when He needs them. Marshall’s faith increased geometrically as his body began to betray him. He could always see the next step ahead, only this time he couldn’t tell us the plan. It is our sincere hope that he is among the family that has gone on before him: our grandparents Drucilla and Claude Lee Billips, our uncles James and Joseph Glenn, our aunts Gloria Calmes, Leonia Green, and Blanchie Hairston, our cousins Bobbie Price and Shawanda Hines, brother Michael Wright, our mother Julia M. Billips, and our father Marshall Lee Wright, Sr. Marshall leaves to cherish his memory maternal siblings Michelle Taylor, Stephanie and Curtis Billips, paternal siblings Marshall, Melvin, Gracie, Faye, Bobbie, Julie, Priscilla, and Katrina as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great nephews and nieces, as well as his aunt Bessie Willingham of St. Louis, his uncles John (Gloria) Calmes and Albert (Blanchie) Hairston as well as in-laws Kevin Taylor and Jolene Vinardi. Sweet dreams, Grimmy. You more than earned your rest. We’ll see you on the other side. - Michelle, Stephanie and Curtis

Tributes

Marshall Billips

April 14, 1973 - April 1, 2020