Mr. Marcus Spencer Jones

In Loving Memory Of Marcus Spencer Jones was born on July 15, 1983, in Detroit, Michigan to the union of Ronald Allen Jones Sr. and Merilyn Jean Jones. He was delivered early and the smallest born of their 3 boys but Marcus’s heart was larger than life, and his love, always, right on time. “He was special”… says mom. A close confidante to many and a pillar of joy in his household, Marcus loved music, movies, games shows, breakfast, sports, retreating to his room by 10p, cracking jokes and taking jabs (he had some great comebacks!), and most important, spending time with family and friends. Marcus grew up in Detroit and Bloomfield, MI with his parents and brothers Ronald Jones II and LaVarro.Surrounded by a tribe of grandparents and uncles/ aunts, and relatives and friends- much like siblings- Crystal, Tony, Kareem, Dwayne, and honorary mom Joyce. As a pre-teen, he was happy and curious, wanting to do everything his brothers did, like learning basketball. He loved going to the movies and watched Coming to America a LOT (along with Friday and Bad Boys). LaVarro remembers a time where he and Marcus would wake each other up for months with a scene they re-enacted from the movie. In 2001, Marcus graduated from Andover High School (Bloomfield Hills), after which he attended Lamphere Center for about eight years where he continued his education and gained necessary skills and prep training for joining the workforce and life in community. Soon after, he took a job at Arkay Inc. for a short time before transitioning to New Horizons Rehabilitation Services Inc., where he worked diligently, packaging shipments and tagging store clothing apparel, for the last 10 years of his life. Marcus loved his job, where he’d also hang out with friends and run the show. He had so much fun at work that it was a running joke w/ his brothers and dad saying “you ain’t got no job!”. But leave it to Marcus, he knew how to make life and work fun, appreciating the present moment, giving it all he’s got… against every single odd. When Marcus was only 11 days old he suffered a serious brain injury at the hospital, causing cerebral palsy, leading to epilepsy and some very difficult years ahead to say the least. Around 6 months old, Ronald and Merilyn were urged to institutionalize Marcus, with doctors saying he would never walk or talk. Well... Yahweh had a very different plan. If you know Marcus, then you saw he lived his life against ALL those assumptions, with his days full of much movement, loving conversations, and then some. This shows his tremendous courage, grit, resilience, faith, and protection. Marcus was blessed, yes, but in all honesty, HE was the blessing. Everybody loved Marcus. His impact is without question. Marcus was the one who listened, who asked, the one who remembered little things, who didn’t take advantage of the moment or a person. If you told Marcus when your birthday was and he locked it in, you’d get a call on that day…. for the rest of your life. “He was a friendly guy,” says Grandma Jimmie. “Always wanted to know how you feel, asking did you sleep well?, any nightmares? and didn’t forget anything anyone said”. His love was tremendously unconditional. Just ask the Pistons and Lions whom he watched every game - for years- no matter what! Marcus was a truly special person. Unique in that he can light up a room of all ages. He was the center of his household and liked to take care of loved ones in his own way; Taking 5am morning walks with his mom (they are going on over 8 -10 years walking together now and had just hit a new mile mark last week), being a game show/Young & The Restless buddy to his grandma, taking care of mundane yet imperative house tasks, teasing and checking in on his brothers, being his father’s “roll dawg”, down for rides through Detroit/ to Jones family reunions, etc. Marcus was a golfer and enjoyed playing whenever he could, with his father and great friends Dennis and Michael, another great father and son team from his high school days. He grew up attending The Institute of Divine Metaphysical Research, had a rich spiritual life, while also forming a great friendship with Dr. Debra & Derrick Hanna. He was also really happy to be Best Man at both his brothers’ weddings. “Marcus lived everyday, that day.” He had accomplished a real happiness where he was content with life. Not like many, who are “waiting” to be happy. He lived and loved courageously, and was grateful - NOW. A real explorer, one of Marcus’s most favorite things to do was hit the road/sky/rail with his travel partner Aunt Kay. They’ve hit California (to see Price is Right), Sea World, and much more! He’s missed her and their excursions since she transitioned herself, and looked forward to a trip to Hawaii at some point in his lifetime. Well my brother, as you take your final trip from this place please know that we love you, honor you, see you, and are lifting your spirit up. Marcus made his transition peacefully in his sleep on July 14th, 2024. He was 40 years old, a day from 41. This is a great inexplicable loss, and the hole left is vast. We wish you rest and peace Marcus. We’ll be okay, together. We’ll take the torch now, and commit to keeping your blazing legacy of kindness, play and love in-action alive; staying curious, and showing up fully, with a smile, in the ways we are meant to.You were too joyful for us not to carry that part of you on. Thank you for all you gave to us. Preceding Marcus in death and greeting him in Spirit are his loving Grandparents; Napoleon and Novella Jones, and Melvin Fountain; Aunts, Carolyn Jones (Kay), Canara Jones; Uncle, Alric Smith, and brother, Dwayne Redford. Marcus leaves to celebrate his life on this side: his parents, Merilyn and Ronald Jones Sr.; grandmother, Jimmie Pearl Fountain; brothers, Ronald II and LaVarro (Phakiso) Jones, Tony and Kareem Dixon; sister, Crystal Renee Swanson (Christopher and Kendall Malone); dear friend, Joyce Carmouche; uncles Dr. William (Petra) Smith, Frank Smith, Clarence (Dorothy) Jones, Melvin (Helen) Fountain, Author (Tommie) Jones; and many other cherished family and friends.

Mr. Marcus Spencer Jones

July 15, 1983 - July 14, 2024