From Pre-K to 12th grade, Marcus attended Chowan County Schools. Marcus is a 2013 graduate of John A. Holmes High School. There he left his mark on the football field as Edenton Aces #40; and while some would say he was a class clown, Marcus was respected and loved by his teachers and classmates. From there he went on to attend Advance Technical Institute in Virginia Beach, VA, where he received certification in Diesel Repair.
After completing his certification, Marcus worked various jobs, including Kellogg and Enterprise in Raleigh, NC, Colony Tire of Edenton, NC, and of recent; Walmart Automotive in Durham, NC, where he worked as an auto mechanic. Although Marcus was unsure about becoming a mechanic, because he feared damaging someone’s car and causing harm to them, he grew to love his job, and excelled at it; in fact, he was offered a management position in his department.
Marcus became a big brother at the age of two, to Akira. Growing up he tried to help his parents take care of his baby sister, he became the best big brother imaginable. Marcus and Akira were very close, and he took his big brother role seriously. Whenever Akira stepped out of line he made sure to correct her; he was also good at scaring her and talking her into giving him her food. At the age of twelve Marcus finally received the little brother he always wanted; Amaree. If he had it his way, Amaree would have been born before Akira. Having a little brother was special for Marcus, because he could teach him things that he learned along the way. He often said he looked at Amaree as his first son, because of the close bond they shared. Marcus taught his little brother how to play football, and he stepped up and coached Amaree's football team. He spent time playing basketball in the backyard with him as well. Marcus also helped his little brother control his emotions and be a better student. Marcus was truly the best big brother; he always protected his younger siblings and made sure they were okay. Whenever he could, he provided for them and helped them in any way possible.
On June 9th, 2017 Marcus became a father, and was forever grateful to Kayla Tripp for their son Ma'Khai Kamar Jackson. Marcus was there every step of the way; responsible and true to his role from day one. Parenting had some great, and not-so-great moments for the young couple; but with a praying circle - each day was becoming more successful than the last. A wonderful father, so confident in his babysitting skills that when he became an uncle to Makaia Raeh Jackson on September 22nd, 2018, he attempted to pass on to his "tips" to getting MaKhai, and Makaia to sleep at the same time. The role as father came natural to Marcus, and being a big brother had given him much practice. Although Makaia was Marcus' niece; he continued diaper changes, bottle feedings, stories, and nap times just as if she belonged to him, because to him, she did. Makhai loved Marcus, and to her, he was “Uncle Dread,” Marcus, Khai, and Kaia spent time together watching Chu Chu T.V. on YouTube, and practicing dance moves. In their time together, he truly impacted their young lives. Marcus' impact on his family continues to be felt, so much that he now has a nephew with his name, Marcus. The love, care, and understanding, that Marcus possessed while he was physically here impacted everyone he encountered.
Marcus Jackson lost his life to gun violence in Durham, NC on March 19, 2019.
The Marcus Jackson Project was created to honor Marcus Jackson by continuing his legacy through helping people, leading with love, empathy, and compassion, and most of all never forgetting his goodness.