Samuel Wilson Marshall

Samuel Wilson Marshall better known as, “Pete or Sam”, departed this life on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Doctor’s Community Hospital in Lanham, surrounded by his family and friends. Samuel was born July 26, 1942, in Washington, D.C. at the old Freedmen’s Hospital. He was the only child born to the late Samuel A. and Sarah E. Marshall.  He was raised in a Christian home in Muirkirk and Beltsville Maryland. He was baptized at Queen’s Chapel United Methodist Church and attended Sunday School as well as Vacation Bible School from an early age.  Samuel served on many committees for countless hours during his time at Queens Chapel.  He was a faithful and devoted servant of the Lord.

Sam met the future love of his life, Thelma Darlene Gibson at an early age.  Growing up together helped them build a special bond.  They were united in holy matrimony on September 9, 1967. They were married for 56 loving years.  Through this special union they were blessed with three sons, Steven, Reginald Sr, and Brent.

He attended Muirkirk Elementary as well as Lakeland Elementary and Junior High. He graduated from Fairmont Heights High School in 1960. He moved on to Morgan State College, now Morgan State University.   After graduating in 1964, he was employed as the supervisor of Protective Services for Prince George’s County Department of Social Services. During his time at PGCDSS he provided consultation services for the Work Release Program and Outpatient Clinic at Perkins State Hospital. Also, during this time, he received his master’s degree from The University of Maryland School of Social Work. In 1974, he became the Director of the Howard County Department of Social Services. Sam worked tirelessly to give his all to the people he served.  He retired in 2004, after 30 years of service.

Traveling was a great passion of his.  During his working years, he had the privilege of going many places.  He was able to travel to such places as Miami, San Francisco, New Mexico, and San Diego to name a few.  In retirement he enjoyed cruising with Darlene and Brent’s in-laws, Charles and Joyce Reed.  He loved these outings but vowed to never go back to Haiti, as he became sick the two times he visited.  He also picked up golf and would hit the links with the late Sam Smith Jr.  Getting out on the water and fishing was also a great pastime of his.  Eating crabs and traveling to fairs was also a special pastime of his.  The one thing he loved more than anything was spending time with his little crew.  It all started with his niece Taelor.  She set the precedent.  She was followed up by his grandchildren, Sabrina, Little Reggie, and Braylon.  You could always catch him out and about with one or all of them.  They had him wrapped around their fingers and he enjoyed every minute of it.

Samuel was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Sarah Marshall and his son, Steven A. Marshall.

Samuel leaves to mourn his loving and devoted wife Darlene, his sons Reginald Sr., and Brent (Monique). His grandchildren Sabrina (special friend Blake), Reginald Jr., and Braylon. He also leaves behind two special nieces, Karen and Taelor Clay.  Left to also cherish his memory is Philip Hebron, a great friend, who was by his side in his final hours, along with a host of family and friends.

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