Marco Antonio Wayne DePriest

Marco Antonio DePriest was born on October 12, 1977, in Chicago, IL. He was also affectionately known as Tony. At the age of two, Marco’s family moved to Southern California and eventually settled in Long Beach. Marco was a bright, funny, and mischievous child. He attended Manhattan Place, Monroe Elementary and Long Beach Polytechnic. His teachers often noted how smart (and busy) he was. He was also a natural leader, who loved to boss his brothers and cousins around. In 1991, Marco’s family relocated to Georgia. Marco was once again the ringleader, and it was not uncommon to see his cousins dressed like him (think Cross Colors, Hi-Tec boots, or Nike Huaraches). He attended Dunwoody High School. Marco liked to shop, a habit that he maintained throughout his life. This habit required money, so he detailed cars, worked at a gas station, and once started a landscaping company. One of his first employees was his youngest brother, Kris. During the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, he supervised his brother and four of his cousins at the Aquatic Center. He may (or may not) have let the power go to his head. Marco was a free spirit and he often traveled from one coast to the other. It was not uncommon for him to be in Georgia one week and California the next. During his life, he made his home in Arizona and Texas (in addition to IL, CA and GA). Wherever he was, he found a church and called on family and friends to help him navigate a new city. Marco relied on his faith in God to bring him through life’s challenges. It was not uncommon for him to share a scripture or devotional to try to encourage others. After living with debilitating complications brought on by diabetes, he took his last breath at home on September 14th. His devoted mother, Earnestine, was by his side. Although his speech was impaired, the one word he could always say was “Mama”. His family and friends will miss his phone calls and texts, his sense of humor, his love and encouragement, and the countless memories with him. Marco was preceded in death by his father, Keith Guy Miller, Sr. He is survived by his mother, Earnestine Miller; brothers, Keith Guy Miller, Jr. and Kristopher Miller; sister, Michelle DePriest; nieces, Latisha DePriest, Alexandria Miller, and Brigetta Miller; nephew, Gabriel McSwain; great-nieces, Dana Callahan, Jada and Jazmine Williams; aunts, Janie McCoy, Dorris (Ernest) Shade, Mildred Coleman, Caroline Expose, Gloria Coleman, Barbara (Len) Jackson, Ruby Lee Coleman, Stacy (Ray) Fisher, Patricia (Robert) Worle, Corrie Coleman, Renee Pierce, Earlean Collins and Tracy Branch; uncles, Artis (Evelyn) Coleman, Jr., Larry Coleman, Charles Ray Coleman, Jeffery (Venetia) Coleman, Sr., Ricky Pierce, Bryon Branch and Marvin Branch ; numerous cousins (many of whom were like siblings).

Tributes

Marco Antonio Wayne DePriest

October 12, 1977 - September 14, 2022