Mr. Marquis Daquerre Smith

**Obituary for Marquis Daquerre Smith** Marquis Daquerre Smith was born on November 21, 1973, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Mary Alice Smith and the late Robert Smith. From the very beginning, Marquis was deeply connected to the people he loved. Family, laughter, loyalty, and showing up for others were not simply parts of his life; they were at the heart of who he was. He had a big personality, a generous spirit, and a presence that made people feel seen, valued, and loved. Marquis was the family’s grill master. At holiday gatherings and family functions, he could almost always be found behind the grill, preparing some of the best food and making sure everyone was well fed. Bringing people together came naturally to him, and food, laughter, and family were some of his favorite ways to create memories. P.S.....LaShawn said ,”go ahead and send her those recipes”. He was also an avid reader and writer, with a love of words and learning that he proudly passed down to his daughter, Kaelynn. Marquis understood the value of knowledge and encouraged those he loved to learn, think, and express themselves. Music was another important part of Marquis’s life. While attending Fulton High School, he was an exceptional trumpet player in the marching band. After graduating in 1992, his love for music continued as he played in the band at Morris Brown College. Marquis also loved making people laugh. He thrived on playing pranks on his sister, Jacarda, who knew she would have to brace herself every year for his birthday posts on social media. He shared a special bond with his older brother, Dominic. The two shared a love for cars and sports, creating memories and a brotherhood that remained special throughout their lives. After graduating from Fulton High School in 1992, Marquis began his career with the Atlanta Police Department in 1994. He quickly became affectionately known as “Quis,” a name that would come to represent his unmistakable personality, loyal friendship, and lasting presence among those who knew and loved him. Marquis served the City of Atlanta for many years as a Police Communications Dispatcher and later as an E911 Master Street Address Guide (MSAG) Coordinator. Throughout his career, he helped keep department personnel connected and supported the daily operations of the department. Those who worked with Marquis knew he was the person to call when a radio stopped working, a phone needed replacing, or a problem simply needed to be solved. He managed radios, cellular phones, Geographic Information System (GIS) resources, and other critical communications tools with knowledge, patience, and dedication. Although much of his work took place behind the scenes, his impact was felt throughout the department. In true Marquis fashion, he could often be heard asking, “Can you hear me now?” During his years in Atlanta E-911 Communications, Marquis met Sandy Bedminster, whom he married on December 21, 2012. He was the proud father of Kaelynn Smith, born on August 13, 2012. Fatherhood was one of the roles Marquis held closest to his heart. He also lovingly embraced Sandy’s oldest daughter, LaShawn Woods, as his own. He never accepted the title of stepfather and proudly carried the name “Pap.” His love for his children was steady, protective, and deeply felt. Long before becoming a father, Marquis was affectionately known as “Uncle-Daddy,” a name earned through the deep love, care, and devotion he gave to his nephew-son, Steven Marbury. Marquis was present for school functions, milestones, celebrations, and the ordinary moments that often-become life’s most treasured memories. He made sure Steven knew he was loved, supported, and never alone. Marquis drew strength from the people around him. He treasured the love of his family, the encouragement of his friends, and the bond he shared with his Atlanta Police family. He was known for his laughter, his stories, his honesty, his advice, and his genuine friendship. Whether he was offering guidance, sharing a laugh, solving a problem, or simply being present, Marquis had a way of letting people know they could count on him. He showed up without being asked. He stepped in when help was needed. And somehow, along the way, he usually found a way to make someone smile. Marquis passed away on August 12, 2026. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Sandy Smith; his daughters, Kaelynn Smith and LaShawn Woods; his mother, Mary Alice Smith; his sister, Jacarda Smith; his nephew-son, Steven Marbury; and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, coworkers, and members of his Atlanta Police family. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Smith, and his brother, Dominic Smith. Many knew Marquis as the man who kept the department connected. But beyond the radios, phones, maps, and technology, Marquis had a special way of keeping people connected, too. He was a mentor, trusted coworker, loyal friend, brother, husband, father, uncle, “Uncle-Daddy,” and “Pap.” He was the family’s grill master, a gifted trumpet player, an avid reader and writer, a prankster, a storyteller, a problem-solver, and a friend who could always be counted on. Marquis lived a life marked by love, laughter, service, and connection. His presence made a difference, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. To Communications, his family, his friends, and all who knew and loved him, there will only ever be one “Quis.” May his memory forever be a blessing and may the love he gave so freely continue to live on in everyone he touched. A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, August 27th, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home - Flat Shoals Location in Decatur, Georgia. Friends and family will gather to celebrate Marquis's life on Friday, August 28th, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur, GA. A repast will follow shortly thereafter at the church from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Marquis will be laid to rest with respect and honor in Kennedy Memorial Gardens, Ellenwood, GA, on Friday, August 28th, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Marquis leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and kindness. He will be deeply missed by his cherished wife Sandy, his devoted mother Mary Alice Smith, and a host of extended family, friends, and co-workers who hold dear his memory. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory- South Dekalb for their compassionate care and arrangements during this difficult time.

Mr. Marquis Daquerre Smith

November 21, 1973 - August 12, 2026