Marshall was born in Newark, NJ in 1950.  After graduating from Weequahic in 1969, he left Newark to advance his education at Kansas Wesleyan University, where he earned a degree in History, with a minor in Secondary Education.  He was on both the Dean’s and President’s Lists for academic achievement.  He continued his education at Wichita State University, earning a Master’s Degree in Urban Affairs.
 
He began his career as Property Manager for Kansas City, Missouri, developing and implementing programs to rehabilitate and revitalize housing and communities with a budget of ten million dollars.

He met and married Lauren Alexander there—they married and raised four children--Aisha, Tahirah, Jamilah and Jamal.

Marshall was as kind as he was strong. He loved his family, and he supported them at each high school and college event. He attended church with his family, first at Franklin St. John and then Third Presbyterian Church.  He always went wherever his wife Lauren was preaching. He was her biggest supporter and cheerleader.

Marshall’s first passion after Lauren and his children was Newark and urban development--changing both for the better. It has been said that Marshall actually had five children, if you include Newark. He truly believed that all urban cities could evolve and prosper with new life. In 1987, Mayor Sharpe James contacted Marshall about returning home and helping to renew his city. Marshall's love for Newark had never waned, and he enthusiastically returned home with his family.
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Marshall’s initial position was Manager of Property Development. He was then elevated to Director of Neighborhood Services where he oversaw six departments. He worked as Executive Director of Newark Workforce Investment and Director of Redevelopment. He also served as a board member on the Newark Central Planning Board. He taught history at Essex County College and was the Vice President of Assurance Commercial Realty. Marshall loved the City of Newark and he loved the people in it. He was proud to be a part of the reimagining and redevelopment of his birthplace and home.
 
If Marshall could help someone--with a word or deed--he was there offering a helping hand. The amount of housing, property, programing, funding, and initiatives that Marshall created, managed, developed, or otherwise acted on is great in number and importance, but what will be most remembered is that he was a man who lived much of his life for others, who lived each day with integrity and honor, who provided for, protected, and loved his family.
 
The Weequahic High Schol Alumni Association also had the distinct honor of having Marshall serve as a Board member for a number of years where he helped raise scholarships and provide other resources to the students.
 
Marshall passed away in November of 2023.