Markus Smith

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Markus "BIG MARC" Smith, who departed from this world on August 12, 2026, at the age of 71. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on September 20, 1954, Markus was a cherished son to Virginia Mitchell Smith and Russell Mose Smith, and a beloved brother to Walter, Kenneth, Russell, Larry, and Cynthia Smith. Oldest niece Kristina Smith, Jasmine Smith, Corretta Smith, Sequoia Smith, Tamese Smith, Amber Smith, Brittany Smith, and Gladys Smith. Oldest nephew Marcus Smith, Timothy Smith, Christopher Smith, Jordan Smith and Calvin SmithHe was also a devoted uncle to a large family of nieces and nephews who were as dear to him as his own children. Markus’s life was a testament to the power of love and resilience. Growing up in a lively household in Louisiana, where his family also included a host of cousins raised as siblings, Markus carried the values of family and community throughout his life. Although never married, he was a nurturing figure to many, embodying the spirit of a true caregiver with a heart as solid and golden as they come. An alumnus of Jefferson High School, Markus excelled in sports, earning multiple sports achievement awards in football, track, and baseball. As team captain, he was a formidable presence on the field, rarely seen on the sidelines. His leadership and dedication were evident not only in sports but also in his professional life. Known affectionately as "BIG MARC" by colleagues, he served as a respected supervisor at Parsec, Inc., a railroad industry company. Markus had a zest for life and found joy in the simple pleasures. He loved fishing with family, cooking up creative meals, and enjoying his extensive collection of R&B albums. His culinary creations, such as grits with cheese and chili cheese fries, were legendary, and they often came with his signature touch: topped with an egg. Music was an integral part of his life, with favorites ranging from Stevie Wonder to Parliament-Funkadelic, providing the soundtrack to many family gatherings and chore days. His passing leaves a profound void in the lives of his surviving family, including his brothers, sister, numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Markus was predeceased by his father Mose Smith, mother Virginia Mitchell, and brother Calvin Sims, with whom he is now reunited in the heavens. A celebration of Markus’s life will be held on August 28, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Inglewood Park Cemetery, located at 720 E Florence Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90301. The family extends an invitation to all who knew and loved Markus to join them in honoring his remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Markus’s memory to a charity of your choice, as a tribute to his generous spirit and love for community. As we bid farewell to a remarkable man, we hold close the words of a special message from Markus himself: "Remember Me. To the living, I am gone; to the sorrowful, I will never return; to the angry, I was cheated; but to the happy, I am at peace; and to the faithful, I have never left." May his soul rest in eternal peace.