Family Tributes If Tears Could Build a Stairway
A Letter to Our Brother in Heaven
If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane. We would walk right up to Heaven and bring you back again.
They say there is a reason They say time will heal; Neither time or season Will change the way we feel.
Our hearts still ache with sadness, and secret tears still flow. What it meant to lose you, son No one can ever know.
Gone are the days We used to share, But in our hearts, Jahmal You’ll always be there.
But now we know you want us to mourn for you no more; To remember all the happy times life still has much in store.
The gates of precious memories Will never ever close; We miss you more, dear brother Than anybody knows...
Since you’ll never be forgotten, We pledge to you today, A hollowed place within our hearts is where you’ll always stay.
Love & miss you every day ‘til we meet again.
We Love You! Dad & Threse
Your Loving sister and brother, Telisha and Jawanza
Always & Forever...
Life Reflections
Rather Jahmal Marshall was born April 20, 1985, in Memphis, Tennessee to Demetrius Marshall and Tonya Saulsberry-Kirby. Jahmal was a graduate of Kingsbury High School Class of 2003, where he excelled in sports becoming an All- American Football Player. He continued his football success at Coahoma Community College, making his way to All-State. Although he flourished in football (and was a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys), his love for basketball was unmatched. He professed a hope in Christ at an early age at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Melvin Brown. Jahmal went by many nicknames, such as Big Baby, The Gentle Giant, and Big Mal; but the reference to the word “big” was about more than his stature. It was also symbolic of his BIG heart. The joy of his life was his family, which he would protect at any cost. He was well-liked by many and loved by all. He departed his life on Friday, April 23, 2021, at the age of 36. He was preceded in death by his mother, Tonya Saulsberry and his grandfather, Joe Lewis Marshall. To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife, Sondra Cox; two beautiful daughters: Markayla Marshall & Londynn Cox; two amazing sons: Rather Jahmal Marshall, Jr. & Riley Jah’mari Marshall; his father & mother, Demetrius & Threse Marshall; two sisters: Telisha Lester & Tierney Marshall; four brothers: Terrance Lenore, Jermaine Lemmons, Ricky Smith, & James Kirby IV; one aunt, Dominique Brown, & a host of other relatives who will cherish his outstanding legacy forever. II Timothy 4:7-8 “ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Celebration of Life
Processional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Rather Jahmal Marshall, Sr. Scripture Readings: Old Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Keevy Collier New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rozell Smith, Jr. Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Houston Williams Musical Tribute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shonettar Williams
Remembering Jahmal...
(Expressions by Family & Friends) Musical Tribute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Donna Cryer ~ Silent Reading of the Obituary ~ Words of Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alma Jones Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cynthia Wright Song of Comfort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chris J The Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reverend Keith Buckner Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Rather Jahmal Marshall, Sr. h NOTE: At the family’s request, the remains will NOT be viewed following the eulogy.
Acknowledgment
Our thanks are many, though words are few For the thoughtfulness of friends like you. For all of the kindness you have shared, and the loving expressions which show you cared. Today and always, may God above Enfold you in his arms of Love. The family of Rather Jahmal Marshall would like to express our sincere gratitude for the many words of comfort, selfless acts of kindness, and continued prayers that have been extended to us during this time. Your love and support have warmed our heavy hearts, and we pray that the Lord will continue to showere you with blessings.
Mr. Jermaine Lemmons Mr. Darrius Hampton
Mr. Terrell Scotts Mr. Derrick Brown
Active Pallbearers Mr. Keidriek Houston Mr. Dontrallius Lemons
HonoraryPallbearers Mr. Timothy Barber, Sr. Mr. Winford Moorehead, Jr.
Mr. Ricky Smith Mr. Ronnie Sims
Mr. James Brown Mr. Cedric Brown
Memorial Repast
1483 N. Merton St. s Memphis, TN 38108
Arrangements Entrusted To
E. H. Ford Mortuary Services 3390 Elvis Presley Boulevard s Memphis, TN 38116
Program Design by Precious Memories Graphics & More, (901) 257-9124.