Robert Marshall

Our beloved Robert Lee Marshall was born on November 11, 1944, to the late Ernestine Howard in Memphis, Tennessee. He departed this life on Friday, December 1, 2023, at the age of 79. Robert grew up in a very close-knit family, the fourth of nine children. He received his education in the Memphis Shelby County Schools system. After graduating high school in 1963, Robert married and moved from Memphis to Chicago, Illinois where his two daughters Lia and Trisa were born. In 1970, the family moved from Chicago to Rockford, Illinois where his son Randall and daughter Nikita were born and raised. Robert was a devoted and dedicated family man, instilling values of love, compassion, and hard work into his children. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed fishing, bowling, watching sports, westerns, and even mid-day stories, but above all his love for his family was his pride and joy. He shared a deep bond with his children and siblings and was never afraid to express his love and joy in being a supportive grandfather. You would often find him at family gatherings playing cards with family and friends or making calls to family members throughout the week just to check in. Robert was exceptional with his hands and by trade was a tool maker/machinist for companies such as Valspar, Gunite and Circle Boring Machine Co. for over 31 years. In October 2006, Robert rededicated his life to the Lord. His later years were met with several health challenges, however his faith and trust in the Lord strengthened him day by day. He won battles that man said he should have lost. His strength was inspiring to witness, and his life was a testimony of God’s grace, mercy, and favor. He knew the power of prayer and believed the word of God. His faith was evident in the way he lived and loved. He loved his family fiercely, said I love you always, and established a beautiful legacy that his children, and children’s children feel privileged to forever honor and uphold. He was preceded in death by his daughter; Nikita Marshall, Mother; Ernestine Howard, and Sisters; Wilma Sanders and Connie McCaster. He leaves a void in the lives of everyone with whom he came in contact. Most of all, his memory will be cherished by his loving children, Lia (Anthony) Currie, Trisa Kelso, and Randall Marshall. He was loved unconditionally by his eight grandchildren; Sierra (Carlton) Lewis, Tavion Martin, Zhane Martin, Faith Kelso, Julius Currie, Blake Currie, Lauren Currie, and Boston Currie, four great-grandchildren, Royce, Zyir, Addison and Aden; his siblings, Wilson Howard (Edith), Elvis Howard (Edna), Lenetta Byrd, Jeffrey Howard, Charles Howard, and Vivian Stephenson; a very special niece Tonja Hosey; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Robert Marshall

November 11, 1944 - December 1, 2023