DeMarcus Cox

DeMarcus Cox had a natural way of making people feel good about themselves. He approached everything with optimism, energy and a contagious smile that anyone near him couldn't help but catch.

In a decade when adventure fantasy films like Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark consumed the attention of people of all ages, Markeya Davis and James Cox of Battle Creek, Michigan had much to be thankful for with the birth of their son, DeMarcus, on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 1989. Much to their surprise, DeMarcus was born early, weighing in at a mere 2 lbs. 14 oz. and being a preemie, he had to stay in the hospital until New Years Eve.

The relationship between DeMarcus' parents did not last, but in 1991 his mother, Markeya, began a relationship with Cortez D. Washington. Markeya and Cortez married and over the years the relationship between DeMarcus and Cortez grew from stepfather and stepson to best friends.

The oldest of six boys, DeMarcus always had someone to play ball with or take down in a wrestling match growing up. He and his brothers all got along really well and enjoyed playing football and basketball together. Being all boy, DeMarcus also had his fair share of accidents too, including knocking out his tooth from falling off the slide, and chipping another while playing basketball with his brother, Cortez. What really made DeMarcus stand out, though, was his masterful singing ability; he was a very talented rapper and artist, though he also had aspirations of being the President one day too. DeMarcus was also known for his many signature phrases. For example, Grandma Joyce's favorite words from DeMarcus were "Mamas always trippin' on me" and "I'm straight". One of DeMarcus' least favorite activities was always cleaning his room. It was said he could work on it for hours and it still needed more help.

For DeMarcus, family was a great source of happiness in his life. He was always so loveable and outgoing and very much cherished by his family. DeMarcus was never short on giving hugs and kisses to those he loved, and in his silliness, he liked to sit on their laps while giving them. He also loved to visit his Uncle Brad and cousins, LeRon and Trevy, in Kokomo, Indiana.

It was a terrible day for his entire family when they found out that DeMarcus had been shot in the chest in a drive-by shooting on August 23, 2006. He spent the next several months recovering in Battle Creek Heath System and rehabilitating at the Southwest Rehab Center, where he developed a close relationship with the nurses. On December 15th of that year, DeMarcus took his first steps after learning to walk all over again, and this was truly a day to celebrate for DeMarcus. After many months, he just returned to school at Calhoun Community High School, where he was in his junior year. He must have been happy to be back because he actually finished his homework.

When it came to his leisure time, DeMarcus loved to be on his MySpace.com page and doing home movies of his family. He also liked spending time with his special friend, Whitney Dennard, who was always there for him through the good and bad in his life. DeMarcus wasn't the best person to be in the kitchen, since he just about burnt down his mother's kitchen while frying up some sausage. Yet, he did tell everyone he was the Master of Butter Pork Chops.

DeMarcus' last day on earth was filled with everything he loved in his life. He had gone to a funeral, talked with his mother and visited one of his grandmothers and several of his aunts and uncles. And he didn't leave without giving everyone his special hugs and kisses. Later, he met up with Whitney and they went shopping for some new clothes and bling, and went out to eat together. DeMarcus had plans of going out to a party later that night, but not before checking his MySpace page.

DeMarcus Cox may have been granted a short time on earth, but he filled every day with energy, life and love. He will be deeply missed.

DeMarcus J. Cox of Battle Creek, MI, passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 15, 2007. He is survived by his mother: Markeya and Cortez D. Washington, and his father, James Cox. He is also survived by his grandparents: Joyce Davis, John Wade, Marcellus and Janice Wynne, Lewis and Fay Washington; great-grandparents: Dock and Betty Davis and great-grandmother: Dena Goble; five brothers: Cortez C. Washington, Darius Belk; Kyler, Jaden and Zaire Cox; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. DeMarcus has a special cousin, Sherrell Newton, and a special friend, Whitney Dennard. Visitation for DeMarcus will be held on Friday, April 20, starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Second Baptist Church. The funeral service will also be on Friday, at 1:00 p.m. at the church with Rev. George Eddy officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. The family would like to thank Brent Perry for his assistance. In addition, the family would like to extend a special thank you to Battle Creek Health Systems, Southwest Rehab, Borgess Hospital and 5/3 Bank. Please visit DeMarcus' Today® Page at www.todaycenter.com where you may share a memory of him or sign his online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of DeMarcus Cox at your local 5/3 Bank branch.

The following people have the privilege of being DeMarcus' pallbearers: Jamie Wynne, Tron Robinson, Michael Pugh, Kevin Early, Brad Washington, Foster Johnson. The honor pallbearers will be Cortez Washington, Marcellus Wynne, Javon Wade and John Wade.

The family is being assisted by the Today® Center of West Michigan located at the corner of Capital Ave SW and Territorial, helping people in your community save money on funerals.