Shanna Marks

Shanna Latrice Marks, who left this world on June 10, 2025, at the age of 54. She was born on September 10, 1970, in Gurdon, Arkansas to the union of Oscar and Damita Jo McClelland Marks. Shanna was a vibrant spirit whose life truly reflected her belief in living fearlessly and embracing every moment.

Shanna accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Eastern Star Baptist Church in the Smithton Community. She was a loving and charismatic little girl who was smart and loved to write. She was educated in the Gurdon Public School District where she was a cheerleader, an accomplished trumpet player and was a 1988 graduate of Gurdon High School. She continued her education at Henderson State University where she pledged with the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and lastly at the University of Little Rock. Shanna worked diligently to finish her degree. She spent countless hours completing assignments even during her chemo and radiation. Shanna was taking classes as late as Fall 2024. Her goals and aspirations were to receive a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting (BBA). Even though she was seven hours short of completing her degree the University of Arkansas Little Rock has awarded her full completion. With an overall GPA of 2.85 and almost a 3.0 in her accounting classes, she accomplished her goal with dedication and persistence.

She was a dedicated accountant for the Arkansas Department of Corrections for close to 20 years, where her skill and diligence brought her respect and admiration among her colleagues.

Beyond her professional achievements, Shanna was a devoted mother to her children, Kendra, Keyshawn and Kaylan and cherished every moment spent with them. She instilled in her children the values of self-respect and respect for others, often emphasizing the importance of kindness and compassion.

A lover of basketball, Shanna had an unwavering loyalty to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and her enthusiasm for the game was infectious. She often shared her love of R&B and gospel music, attending concerts whenever she could. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. Through music, Shanna found joy and connection, uplifting herself and everyone around her.

Shanna had a zest for life that was evident in her love for traveling, shopping, and connection with family and friends through social media. Her Facebook posts often brightened the days of her loved ones, featuring inspirational quotes and vivid snapshots of her adventures around the world. She was known for her deep love of reading and writing. Writing was her passion, often writing her own novels loosely based on her life.

Despite the challenges she faced in her battle with illness, Shanna remained a true fighter—never once complaining and inspiring those around her with her unyielding spirit. She was preceded in death by her brother, Terrence Darnell Marks (August 26, 2017, and her father, Oscar Marks (March 16, 2019).

Shanna leaves lasting memories with her children, Kendra (Richard) Sims of Prescott, AR, Keyshawn Marks of Benton, AR and Kaylan (Martha) Marks of Houston, TX; her grandchildren, Kartez Benton and Aiyanna Sims; her mother, Damita Jo Marks of Benton, AR and her nephew, Chris Young of Washington, DC. She also leaves her “cousin-sister” Penny Gipson of Melissa, TX; close friends, Brian Brownlee and Shene Miller, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, numerous cousins and several friends.

A celebration of Shanna’s remarkable life will be held at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, 410 Bell Avenue in Gurdon on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM with the interment at Rose Hedge Cemetery. The viewing will be at Williams Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM, allowing loved ones the opportunity to gather and share fond memories of Shanna.

In celebrating Shanna’s life, we honor her adventurous spirit, her compassionate heart, and her unwavering dedication to her family and community. We ask everyone wear purple or shades of purple. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love and inspiration will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.