Marcell Alfonzo Quarles

Marcell Alfonzo Quarles was born in Arlington, VA, on May 9, 1995, to Michael and Pamela Quarles. A joyous and spirited child from the beginning, Marcell was known for his infectious smile and laughter, greeting family members and friends alike with warmth and joy. Marcell was intelligent, resilient, creative, witty, and a faithful young man. He had unwavering loyalty, endless inside jokes, a brilliant smile, committed friendships, and a willingness to believe in unproven people. One of his favorite pastimes as a child, was reading Marvel Comics and fishing with his dad.
At just two months old, Marcell went to daycare, provided by his grandmother, affectionately known as "Ma Temoney." The bond between Marcell and Ma Temoney was unique and unbreakable. It was under her loving care that Marcell was introduced to the delights of southern cuisine, including grits, cheese and eggs, and scrapple. Ma Temoney also nurtured Marcell's early learning by introducing him to numbers and the alphabet. She cared for other children as well, including Marcell's favorite cousin, Brittany Jones. Marcell and Brittany were inseparable, forming a bond that remained strong.
When Marcell turned two years of age, he began attending a private preschool in Washington, DC. Though the transition was initially challenging, he quickly adapted to his new environment. In the morning when we dropped him off, there were tears, but when we returned to pick him up, we found him happy and content, playing with the other children. Marcell loved Ms. Alice, his preschool teacher. Upon pickup, he was always eager to share what he learned for that day. After preschool, Marcell attended first grade at Featherstone Elementary in Woodbridge, VA. Prior to Marcell entering second grade, our family relocated to Bryans Road, Maryland where Marcell continued his education at JC Parks Elementary School, Matthew Henson Middle School, and Lackey High School. During the Spring and Summer months, Marcell was introduced to soccer and swimming, sparking a love specifically for swimming that would continue throughout his teenage years. Marcell was a member of the Indian Head Swim Team (the Torpedoes) and was also a member of the Lackey High School Swim Team. He won medals in breaststroke and freestyle events. He served as a lifeguard for several years during the Summer, at a local Charles County community, and was certified in CPR.
During these formative years, Marcell's interests and talents continued to develop, setting the stage for his future academic and professional achievements. He frequently assisted others, and was empathetic and attentive, consistently offering to listen.
Upon completing high school, Marcell attended the College of Southern Maryland for two years. He then transferred to Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland, where he majored in Psychology, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. Marcell was well-rounded and participated in campus events, to include Kinks and Curls for Boys and Girls (education about natural hair care), The Black American Student Association, and the Untouchables Dance Team. He was an active member in the Salisbury campus community by participating in Student Town Hall meetings and other campus community events.
Marcell's academic journey did not stop at Salisbury University. He pursued further education at Grand Canyon University, earning a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. His exceptional performance earned him the distinction of graduating Magna Cum Laude with a 3.8 GPA.
Marcell's passion for helping others led him to work at several group homes, where he made a significant impact as a Mental Health Counselor. He began his journey during an internship program, where he worked at Tree of Life Family Services, LLC, as a Mental Health Youth Counselor. One notable position was at UMFS(United Methodist Family Services)-Leland House, where he provided guidance and support to young individuals facing various challenges. His empathetic approach and professional expertise made him a valuable asset in the lives of the youth he served. Marcell later accepted a position at Pathway Homes Inc, as a Mental Health Counselor, working with adults with mental illness and other co-occurring disabilities. Beyond his professional achievements, Marcell's life was enriched by his close relationships with family and friends.
Marcell's academic journey was a testament to his resilience, dedication, and compassion. From his early years under the daycare of his grandmother, to his professional career as a counselor, Marcell's life reflected a commitment to personal growth and helping others. His story inspired those who knew him, serving as a reminder of the power of his perseverance and the impact of love for family and friends.
Marcell became a member of Victory Christian Ministries International and accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior during his early teenage years. He attended Chrisma, a Christian youth group at the church, and was also a member of the Dance Ministry.
Marcell Alfonzo Quarles passed away on February 28, 2025. He is survived by his parents, Michael and Pamela Quarles, his sister, Shannon Quarles, and nephew, Tazarion Keels. Marcell was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Alease Reeder and paternal grandparents, Robert Temoney Sr. and Yvonne Temoney. Marcell is survived by his aunts Monica(Dawud) Temoney-Abdur Rahman, Mable (William) Harris, and uncle, Robert (Joanne)Temoney Jr. Marcell is preceded in death by his aunt, Yvonne Temoney. He is survived by his cousins Alia Abdur-Rahman, Brittany Jones, Brian (Maya) Dixon, Jasmine (Kristopher) White, Nicole (David) Banks, Nakia Burton, Gary Temoney, Jasmine Ward, Andrew Ward, Yvonne Redcross Jackson, and Daphne (Jimmy) Kimbrough. Marcell is survived by his honorary nieces Alyson Jackson, Aminah Jackson, Ada Jackson, and Aliza Jackson. Marcell is survived by a host of other relatives to include cousins, beloved aunts and uncles.
Viewing, Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00 a.m., until the start of service at 11:00 a.m., Victory Christian Ministries, International, 3911 St. Barnabas Road, Suitland, Maryland 20746.
Interment, Thursday March 13, 2025, 1:30 p.m., National Harmony Memorial Park, 7101 Sheriff Road, Hyattsville, Maryland 20785.