Mr. Marcus O. Phifer Jr.

Marcus O'Brian Phifer Jr., 21, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, October 12, 2025 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Marcus was born on November 2, 2003 to his parents Carletha Watson and Marcus Phifer Sr. Marcus was a graduate of the Woodside High School Class of 2022. Marcus attended Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. There he ran track and pursued a degree in Criminal Justice. He was also pursuing his dreams to go to the United States Olympics and United States Navy. He planned to enlist into the United States Navy in January 2026. Marcus was a humanitarian naturally. He always liked helping others and he wanted to build houses for the homeless and help teens who aged out of foster care after his service.
Running was Marcus' JOY! He was a Virginia Track Runner with a stellar record. He broke track records all over the state of Virginia while in high school and college. Marcus was successful in doing what he loved. He received awards and recognition in the following areas: Track-CIAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, Virginia State University Track Competitions, Christopher Newport University New Captain's Classic, Norfolk State University Track and Field Invitational, Fred Hardy Invitational, Liberty Open, George Mason Patriot Games, Robert Comstock Cardinal Track and Field, Bast-Creggar Multi Invitational and the VMI Team Challenge. Marcus placed in the top 5-10 percentile in all of his competitions. He had success in the 400 Meters, 600 Meters, 800 Meters Outdoor & Indoor, 5,000 Meters Indoor Track, 400 Hurdles Outdoor, 4x400 Relay Indoor/Outdoor and the Distance Medley Indoor races. Marcus's goal was to become a United states Olympian, and his dedication showed that was achievable.
Marcus was a member of First Baptist Church Denbigh. He was a member of Praise In Motion and the Youth Choir as a child. Marcus also served in his community. He volunteered whenever he was needed and enjoyed doing it. He loved his family and friends dearly. His siblings - Carmello, Makyia, Alexia and Marquis knew that they could always depend on him. Marcus also loved his grandfather who he called his PaPa and his grandmother known as Gran Ban Tan! He spent a lot of precious moments with them every day after he got off work from Amazon. Marcus had a good heart and always helped his friends whom he considered to be his brothers. His life made an everlasting impact on everyone who he met, served and loved. Marcus showed love and received it back triple times in return. He lived by his daily scripture found in Philippians 4:13 which reads: "I Can Do All Things Through Christ Which Strengthens Me". Marcus believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and was certain of two things as he always said – "God Got Me" and "I'm In God's Hands". Now Marcus truly is. In God's Hands in Heaven.
Marcus is survived by his loving Mother-Carletha Watson (Trevor), Dad-Marcus Phifer Sr. (Danielle), Grandparents - David and Margaret Thomas, Great Grandmother-Mary Norris (Charles), siblings - Alexia Phifer (Messiah), MaKyia Phifer, Carmello Phifer and Marquis Phifer (Jaelyn), his loving Fiance'- Nia Lopez, Nephews- LaMarcus D. Brown III, Messiah R. Robinson Jr., Neice - Monae A. Robinson, Uncles - David Gary, Dwon Dalton, Darren Griffin (Talitha), Tarren Griffin (Na'Lesha), Jordan Connor, Justin Phifer, Todd Connor (Erika), Aunts - Whitney Phifer (Byrann),Sharise Gary, Pleasant Hunter, Linda Connor, Allison Connor, Chrystal Ramsey, Cousins - Ericka Bennet, Chantel Moody (Issac), Iesha Gary, Shaniya Gary, Lyric Imes, Keia Ramseur (Preston), Keistun Ramseur, PJ Ramseur, Moses Ramseur, Amir Ramseur, Genesys Ramseur, Adiya Ramseur, Annya Griffin, Darren Griffin Jr, Courtney Caldwell, Sierra Griffin, Greylyn Griffin, Giyani Griffin, Tylisa Lawry, Raven Dalton, Maurice Jacob, Terrance Phifer, William Lawry, Ave'once Smith, God Parents – Harry and Yolanda Golden, Coaches - David Gary, Charles Frank, Paul Macklin, Coach Johnson, Coach Holland, Moma White of the Woodside High School Booster Club, Friends & Brothers - David, Ryan, Joey, Donald, Kourtney, D'Angelo, Charles, Shawn Jr., Timothy, Trevor, Travis, Tyler, Javion, Charles, Isaiah, OJ, Nick, Rijon, Jordan Moody, Zanita Brown (Joseph), Sandra (Phillip) Hunter, Kashonda (Shawn) Mizzell, Barbara Smith, Temple Johnson, Stacey Persun, Linda Hamilton, Kesha Smith-Brown, Denise Wynn-Phillips, Eli Brown, Joi Brown, Uzziah, Alour, Mya, Imani, Armani, Elajah, Ea'Vonna, D'Shawna, Katrina Hamilton, Shawna, Amiya, Temani, Loctician - Valarie Pearsons and a host of other family and friends whom he loved dearly.
Marcus was preceded in death by his grandmother-Carla Phifer, grandfather-John Connor, great grandmother-Linda Connor, uncles-George Gary, Arthur Gary, Arthur Gary, Jeremy Phifer and his aunt Mary Gregg.
There will be a candlelight vigil held on Marcus' 22nd Birthday at Todd Stadium located at 12465 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, Virginia 23606 on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Please bring a candle and join us there on our day of Love for Marcus. Each year from now on remember Marcus on his birthday by doing something kind in your community. Volunteer at A Local Food Bank, Give A Meal To A Homeless Person, Visit Senior Citizens Homes and Give Them Cards, Volunteer At Youth Centers, Give Gently used clothes and shoes to First Baptist Church of Denbigh Clothes Closet in Marcus Memory. Carry his humanitarian work on every year on his birthday. (We apologize but due to the new City Ordinance - No Balloons Are Allowed to be released.)
It is the desire of our family that you continue to keep us in your heartfelt thoughts and prayers. We appreciate all of the gifts of love, kindness and compassion during this time. We appreciate First Baptist Church of Denbigh and C.C. Carter Funeral Home for the thoughtful care and services provided for our loved one.
The family of Mr. Marcus O. Phifer Jr., has entrusted his final care to C.C. Carter Funeral Home.
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