Service Details
A Homegoing memorial service will be held on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Friends are invited to greet the family on Friday from 12 O’clock Noon until the time of the service.
Marcus Bret Martin (Harris) was born May 2, 1958, at St. Lukes Hospital in Racine, Wisconsin from the union of James Harris and Byrdella (Webb-Martin) Harris . `
Marcus attended Washington Park High School where he participated in his favorite sport, basketball. He was a pretty good ball player, a proud panther and 1976 bicentennial graduate. He also participated in local business sponsored softball teams where he and his teammates captured many days of joy.
His mother once shared that all the running he was doing playing sports, it was a wonder at one point that he was ever going to walk. She went on to share that she had taken Mark to the doctor, because he was not walking as her other children had. The doctor reported after examination that his legs were perfectly fine, and he would walk when he got ready. Sure, enough his mother shared that one day the family was laughing and talking in another part of the house when she noticed Mark hanging on to the wall taking small steps to see what was going on. She was so happy, relieved and he has been running ever since.
Although not much of a dancer, Mark loved music. Earth, Wind & Fire, The Spinners, Sly and the Family Stone were a few of his favorites and let’s not forget those jalapeno poppers he enjoyed!
Mark continued his education by attending the University of WI-Parkside for one year studying blue printing. This training opened job opportunities at Western Publishing Company (the creator of Little Golden Books) and Arvato Bertelsmann.
Marcus had a gentle heart and a gentle spirit. He was the type of man that would help you out if he could. Marcus had his share of ups and downs and took responsibility over his own life. One of his last posts he shared on Facebook read:
“My past is what I’ve been through, it’s not who I am.
It has helped to mold me. But it doesn’t define me”
Marcus transitioned to join our ancestors on Friday October 14, 2022. He was 64 years young. Marcus was preceded in death by his parents James and Byrdella Harris, his sisters Melba June Jackson, Saundra Lee (Martin) Bell, and his brother James Luther Martin.
He leaves to cherish his time spent on earth, his brother Gary Allen Martin of Racine, WI, his sister Kendall Lynn Martin of Toledo, OH, his only son Keshaire (Jennifer) Simpson and grandchildren Amya Simpson and Jordan Simpson of Racine, WI.
He will also be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews: Gregory (Marilyn) Jackson of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Scott M Jackson of Dallas, TX, Andrea (Paul) Bell-Myers of Racine, WI, Yvette (Thomas) Anderson also of Racine, WI, David K. Martin of Madison, WI. Marcus will also be missed by many other great nieces and nephews, cousins, family members and friends and a special and close friend Justine Terry.
Daris J Hodges says
My sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the Martin family. Praying that God strengthens you all during your times of need
Patricia Grandberry Henderson says
So sorry for your loss. Rest in Paradise Mark and tell my brother Lonnie wassup. 🙏🙏💖💖
Sheila Grandy says
My condolences to the family’s of Marcus, he was a real true man and good friend. He will be truly loved and miss by many of us. Tell Lonnie hey and y’all keep watching over us and your family’s. May God comfort your family during this time, 🙏🙏🙏
Anonymous says
Our deepest condolences to the family 🙏🏾💜
Diane Nwonye says
My deepest condolences. Gone too soon.
Sharon Johnson-Visor and family says
We send our deepest sympathy to the Martin-Harris family. Marcus will always be remembered for his smile and gentle demeanor. RIP. We hope the family find strength thru the love and memories they have shared with Marcus.
John Moore says
My deepest condolences to family and friends. We spent many days in front of the store waxing our cars hanging out . Rest well my friend the original babyface . Hold down second base . Peace
Stacey Moore says
Condolences to the Martin family.
Mr.&Mrs Donnie Ivy says
Donnie Ivy and family, would like to express our deepest condolences to the family.
Chris Harris, Mobile Alabama says
I’m so sorry you are gone. We have been friends since elementary school. Remembering our Park High School parties we gave. The 4 of us, Marcus, Dennis, Rupert and me. Mostly, I will miss our conversations and your beautiful spirit. Rest in peace dear friend. Until we meet again.
Cherri Barker-Chambliss says
Sending my sincere condolences to the family.
Anonymous says
Gary, Kendall and the Martin family. You have my deepest and sincenrist condolences. Be strong for each other, god will lead and get you through this. God bless. Margaret Sacotte and family
Wendell Barry says
I first met Marcus through my cousin Greg Barry . We all had the greatest sense of humor. I will always remember Marcus holding his stomach and laughing hard when we all got together. They both are now walking with Angels. Locked into my memories as long as I breathe .
Tyrone Person says
RIP Marcus, condolences & prayers to the family.
Scott L Kirby & The Kirby Family says
Condolences to the Martin Family.🙏
Anonymous says
I met Marcus at Western Printing, in 83, he was very cheerful, young gentleman, we always talked and laughed and he was always in good spirits, very nice young guy, I am so sorry for his loss, he’s going to be missed, until we meet again, keep watching over us.
Ray Jackson ''BIG C'' says
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
Letha R. Chattman says
I won’t be able to attend the celebration of Marcus life! Marcus was always kind ….however I disliked going in the store when he was working! Lol Rest in Paradise Marcus!! Sending love and prayers to the family!
Entire Westmoreland Family says
Sending our condolences and prayers to entire Martin Family
Diane ,Theresa ,Byron Love says
Condolences to entire Martin Family
Constance j (Harris ) Robinson Family says
R.I.P dear cousin, you don’t have to run anymore. You will remain in our hearts.. to the family. Be encouraged. God is still on the throne. He knows what you are going through. Stay close to him..
Paula Boykin and Family says
Sincere condolences to the family. May God comfort you all during this difficult time. We had good times .Rip Marcus
Maydell & Greg Williams says
Our deepest sympathy to the Martin families. – From the Williams and Billups families.
Rochelle Anderson-Moore says
My condolences to the Family.
Marcus was a gentle wonderful spirit. May he continue to Rest In Paradise .
Joyce Johnson says
Marcus will be truly missed my condolences to the family.
Denise McWhorter ( Tol Oh) says
Wow Mark , I grew up across the street from Mark and his family was always in the family store, I loved his mom, R.I.H. ❣️ and to Kendall and Gray and family hold on to ur memories and love each other thru this😇✨
Sharon Shelton Williams says
Rest easy Marcus.Prayers go out to your family.
Joyce Shelton-Smith says
So sorry for your loss. RIP my brother. Praying for you and family.
Annette Powell & Family- Houston TX says
My Condolences to the family during these challenging times. Hold on to God’s unchanging hands and cherish the memories of your beloved.
The Cotton Family says
Condolences to the family hold to Gods unchanging hand. God bless the family and prayers will be lifted🙏🏽
Denise Freeman says
To the Martin family:
My thoughts and prayers are for you. May God bless you during this difficult time. I’ve known Mark most of my life. He was always kind to me. He will not be forgotten. Always cherish the memories of time spent with him.
Cotton family says
Condolences to the Martin family, Marcus will be truly missed. The Cotton family.
Shahmal Stewart says
My deepest sympathies to u all praying for strength and comfort
Thomas Jones and family. says
My deepest sympathy to the Martin family. Good hearted , respectful, and fun to be around .
Pamela Hadley-Slayden says
Rest in peace Marcus. You were a worthy adversary in the classroom at Park High School. I enjoyed debating many topics with you.