Marcus Lenord Smith, beloved son, brother, coach, and friend, suddenly passed away on February 17, 2025, in Akron, Ohio.
Born on July 17, 1985, in Akron, Ohio, Marcus was the cherished son of Beverly Jackson and John Len Boy Smith. After his mother’s marriage, he was blessed with a loving stepfather, Bruce Ivory. Together, all of his parents played an essential role in his upbringing. From a young age, Marcus demonstrated a deep love for sports and cooking, which he learned from his family. He accepted Christ at an early age at Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church. Known for his kindness, determination, and positivity, Marcus always faced life’s challenges with grace. He cherished spending time with his family, particularly the elders, offering his unwavering support through visits and errands with a generous heart.
Marcus attended St. James of the Valley in Wyoming for grade school, later graduating from Roger Bacon High School. As a proud basketball team member, he contributed to their triumph in the 2002 State Championship. He continued his basketball journey at Mount St. Joseph, where he played for two seasons before earning his bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2008. Marcus completed his master’s degree in sociology at the University of Cincinnati in 2011. Marcus’s love for basketball fueled his fulfilling coaching career. He began as an assistant coach at Roger Bacon for the 2009-2010 season before becoming the JV head coach at Middletown High School. His passion for mentoring young athletes led him to serve as an assistant coach for the All Ohio Red 16U & 15U AAU teams and director of recruiting for the Cincinnati Shining Stars AAU program. In 2012, Marcus began his college coaching career at Thomas More University, where he helped the Saints advance to the championship. He also joined the support staff for the Men’s USA Pan American team and later for the Men’s USA Olympic team. From 2012 to 2015, Marcus’s journey continued at several universities, including the University of Akron, Seton Hill University, California University of Pennsylvania, and Mansfield University, where he mentored and inspired countless young athletes.
After his coaching career, Marcus returned to Cincinnati to pursue a Ph.D. in Sociology at the University of Cincinnati. In 2021, he was awarded the NCAA Graduate Student Research Grant and was published multiple times throughout his doctoral studies. His research focused on social justice and equality, particularly for the Black community. He also contributed to the research development team for the book Dear White Friend, showcasing his commitment to making the world a more just and equitable place. Marcus was a passionate individual with a contagious smile and a loving heart. His legacy of dedication to improving the world and empowering others will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Marcus was preceded in death by his loving stepfather, Bruce Ivory; grandparents Eckie Smith, John L. Smith, devoted Grandmother Idean (James) Jackson, and bonus grandmother Evelyn Ivory; aunts Eleanor Smith, Alice Roberts, Adale Smith, Cheryl Payton; uncles Ronald Smith and Sonnie Smith.
He leaves to cherish his memory his parents, John (Katie Chambers) Smith and Beverly Ivory; sister, Ashley Ivory; uncles Gregory (Ora) Bundrage and Hakim Hashim; aunts Janice Jackson, Jacqueline Jackson, Sharetta (Wendell) Burke, Marilyn (Ralph) Miller Paulk; cousins Carolyn Johnson, Ronald Smith, James Roberts, Ronald Roberts, Randol Smith, Lucky Smith, Leigh Smith, Adrian Smith, Mia Jackson, Myles Nared, Dion Jackson, Shawndale Jackson, Aggie Payton, Baylone Sherman, Ariel Burke, Tamont Burke, Aaliyah Hashim, Barack Hashim, Terra Roane, and Amber Roane, along with a host of close family and friends who loved him dearly.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 12:00 until 1:00 pm at Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church, 9991 Wayne Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45215. Funeral service will immediately follow and will be live streamed at www.lhmbc.net/livestream.aspx