MARQUIS C. KIRK, SR.

Marquis "Quis" Cherome Kirk Sr.  was born on May 25th, 1986, and was called home to the Lord’s care on June 17th, 2025.

A lifelong resident of Akron, Ohio, Marquis was known for his infectious laughter and zest for life. He loved good food, listening to music and traveling whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Marquis was preceded in death by his Great-Grandmother Lindsey Mae Kirk, grandmothers Ernestine Roper and Corrine Tatum, Grandfather Ransom S. Tatum Sr., uncles David Griffin and Kenny Roper, brother Martel Tatum and his baby sister Julia Tatum.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, TaNika; his parents, Charlotte Kirk and Jared Tatum (Deatrice); his stepfather, Derek Johnson; his Godmother, Penny Hudson-Hearn; and his children, son Marquis Jr. and daughter Scotland. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Amanda, Kaleb, and Larry; his grandchildren, Amya, Amir, and London; his siblings, Jerica, Lakisha, Jerad Jr., Chimere, Ashley, Aysia, Latisha, Lanice, Jaren, Jalen; nieces and nephews Marquel, Curtis, Jerad III, Jeramiah, Loh'gan, Tobin, Qhalon, Ah'merica, Ta'Rell, Sah'lay, Imari and Imani; special aunt Arthurann Roper, uncle’s Cavan and Cory Roper, and his favorite cousin, JaChelle Roper, who held a special place in his heart. His closest friends—Boi-Boi, Dante, Antonio, and Horz: who were like family to him. He also cherished his special friend, Diamond Griggs, and her family. 

Marquis’s warm spirit touched many lives, and his laugh “almost contagious laugh” always brought light to a room! He was known to share in lively debates with his sons about football, especially going at it over the Cowboys—despite living in Ohio, he was a proud Cowboy fan: We will never understand how you can be a Cowboy’s fan living in Ohio, but that is undoubtedly who he was, and proud of it!

Though his physical presence is no longer with us, his spirit, love, and memory will forever remain etched in our hearts. The void his absence leaves is immense, but his light will continue to shine through the lives he touched. Marquis’s love and kindness will always be with us, and we carry him in our hearts, forever.

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