Matthew James Marshall, Jr., was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on December 19, 1953, to the late Aleen Sloan Marshall and Matthew James Marshall, Sr. He was the first of two children born from that union. His parents divorced, and each remarried producing five other children each, making Matthew the oldest of twelve siblings.

Matthew’s family moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, when he was seven years old. He attended public schools there, and in 1971, he graduated from Twin Lakes High School where his mother served as a high school guidance counselor. Matthew cherished those years in West Palm Beach and the many lifelong friends he made there. He and his mother would often stay up late into the night when he would visit her, reminiscing about that special time in their lives. Matthew joined Payne Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in West Palm Beach at an early age where he sang in the children’s choir and was actively involved in other church activities. It was the beginning of his spiritual relationship with God, which he carried throughout the rest of his life.

After graduating from high school, Matthew attended Fort Valley State College (FVSC) in Fort Valley, Georgia (now Fort Valley State University) on a basketball and swimming scholarship. He was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at FVSC. Matthew was an outstanding student and was the recipient of numerous awards there. He completed his coursework a semester early and began to search for his next chapter. Matthew was a history buff and enrolled in Ohio State University to attend graduate school. However, he wanted to pursue a career in law. Consequently, Matthew applied and was accepted to Howard University Law School in Washington, D.C. Once accepted, he transferred to Howard in 1976 and graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in 1979.

After graduation, Matthew worked as an inheritance and estate tax examiner for the DC Department of Finance and Revenue (now the DC Office of Tax and Revenue). He later worked as a legislative aide for Councilwoman Wilhemina Rolark at the Council of the District of Columbia. Matthew passed the D.C. Bar and practiced law as a sole practitioner until the early 2000s, at which time he followed in his father’s footsteps and became an investor and property manager for his properties in Maryland and DC.

While working for the Department of Finance and Revenue, he met his future wife, Maria Day-Marshall. She was the love of his life. They married in 1986 and had two children, Manuel and Marcel Marshall. Matthew also had an older son, Mario Marshall, from a previous relationship who was the source of great joy and love in his life. Matthew and Maria enjoyed traveling, vacationing, skiing, attending the boys’ athletic, musical, and church events, and spending time with family and friends.

Matthew loved his family and friends dearly. He and Maria often hosted visitors and opened their homes to anyone who needed a place to live. Matthew would welcome them with open arms, a welcoming heart, and great food. He supported his extended family by doing anything that they needed. He could always be counted on in a time of need.

Matthew joined St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in 1986. He was an active member of the parish and joined the gospel choir in which he was a frequent soloist. Singing was Matthew’s passion. He could often be heard downstairs in his home’s basement re-playing recordings of the choir’s rehearsals and practicing his singing. Matthew had a beautiful melodic voice and could fill the church with his praise of the Lord.

Matthew will be sorely missed. He had a big personality and made an impression wherever he went. He will never be forgotten.

Matthew is survived by his devoted wife, Maria Day-Marshall; children, Mario Jermaine Marshall and Marcel Jared Marshall; siblings, Edward Harris, Allen Harris, Jonathan Harris, Darlene Wilbourne, Conrad Marshall, Pamela Marshall Leslie (Jack), Petra Marshall Saunders (Richard), and Elnora Marshall Butler; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other close family and friends. Matthew was preceded in death by his beloved son, Manuel Jessal Marshall, and sisters, Chandra Harris, Catherine Marshall, and Jacquelyn Marshall. 

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