Pleaze B. Marshall

Pleaze Benjamin Marshall Sr. was born April 19, 1932, in Gary, Indiana to the late Elijah and Orealia Marshall. He was the second oldest of 4 children. Pleaze attended Roosevelt High School from kindergarten through 12th grade. Graduating from the class of 1951.
It was at Roosevelt where he met the love of his life Sadie Beatrice Johnson. Their love story would make you smile. "I saw this fellow in school when I was in the 7th grade. He had a broad smile, a hearty laugh, and lots of friends. I found out his name was Pleaze Marshall".
"This pretty girl would always bump into me every day in the hall at school. I found out her name was Sadie Beatrice Johnson". Their first date was in 9th grade, at Roosevelt High School's sectional basketball game. They dated all throughout high school.
They Married on Christmas Eve -December 24, 1950. He would always tell her she was his Christmas gift.
Their first child, Lutisha, was born on September 27, 1951. Second child, Pleaze Jr, was born September 28, 1954, and their third child Eddie, was born September 25, 1958. They decided not to have any more anniversary babies. Pleaze and Sadie were married for 66 years before her passing on January 24, 2017. Once married, he decided to join his wife's family church, First Baptist Church of Gary, where he served faithfully for 75 years before his illness.
After graduating, Pleaze accepted a job at A&P Grocery Store following several recommendations from his teachers at Roosevelt. Starting off as a stock boy, he learned the business very fast and later became the first black assistant manager. This was in the late 50s, when jobs like this for minorities were rare. This brought pride to our community to see a black man standing tall in a crisp white shirt, his smile welcoming you in.
He was a people person who was always having friendly conversations. He could not go anywhere in the city without someone saying, "Mr. Marshall, you gave me my first job!" He was the one you would see as president of the P.T.A. for school fundraisers, church functions, or when you needed something for community events. He was instrumental in hiring the first black female cashier. He also helped Joe Lewis, the boxer, get Joe Lewis Milk in the dairy department of A&P first.
A new chain of grocery stores was opening up in Gary, called Buy Lows, which was later renamed to Value Market. He was hired on as manager after 20 years at A&P. There, he carried on his hard work ethic, making sure he was there for his community for the next 18 years.
Being the boss and managing were in his blood. He and his brother, George Patten, and their spouses decided to buy Coney Island on 25th and Broadway in Gary, Indiana. They renamed it "Brothers Coney Island". It opened up job opportunities as well as giving three of his granddaughters, instilling in them the importance of good work ethics. They had the best chili, chili cheeseburgers, and Sadie Marshall's chocolate cakes. Their breakfast menu was the best in town.
To slow down their busy life cycle, he bought 3 acres of land in Covert, Michigan, and put a three-bedroom two-bath structure. Many family reunions were celebrated there. Their children and grandchildren, as well as friends, enjoyed it for over 50 years. Believe it or not, Mr.& Mrs. Marshall became farmers, having fruit trees and planting every kind of vegetable you could imagine. They shared the produce with friends and family. The grandchildren enjoyed every summer picking blueberries and creating new experiences not given in the inner city. Pleaze B Marshall Sr. left a legacy not only to his family but to a city he dearly loved.
He leaves to cherish his loving daughter, Lutisha Northern; Pleaze Marshall Jr. (Debra); Eddie Marshall (Irma); 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Brother George Patten, 2 nieces, Regina Wynn and Kim Shadrick, 2 nephews, Richard Marshall and Will Marshall. Goddaughters Dr. Chevese (Davis) Thomas, Freda (Gatlin) Williams. Daughter in love, Ava Marshall Ligon, God's Grandsons, Pastor Arthur Washington, and Brandon Johnson, and a host of cousins and friends.
Visitation, Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. with funeral service to follow at 10:00 a.m. All service at the Guy & Allen Chapel 2959 West 11th Avenue. Gary, Indiana 46404. Rev Pastor Arthur Washington officiating. Interment Oak Hill Cemetery.