Keyonta “Big Key” Marshall

Keyonta Devonce Marshall, “Big Key”, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, March 22, 2019 at age 37. He was born in Saginaw, Michigan on August 13, 1981 to Phyllis Marshall and Alfounger Moultrie.

Keyonta was a graduate of Saginaw High School and Grand Valley State University. He was a four-year standout on the defensive line at Saginaw High School who signed to play for the University of Hawaii. He transferred to Grand Valley State University, where he was a three-time All-American and was a member of two NCAA Division II Football National Championship Teams. Keyonta was drafted in the seventh round by the Philadelphia Eagles and later played for the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets. He played a season in Europe in Hamburg, Germany. He also was employed with the NFL finance and investments division.
Keyonta was an active member of New Covenant Christian Center where he served in the choir, Armor Bearers, Team Ministry and Young Men Warriors. He had a heart for evangelism.

“Big Key” was full of love and life and had a comedic spirit. He helped everyone and anyone and always did it with a smile. Keyonta and his mom had a strong, loving, unwavering bond that everyone could see. He loved spending time with his fiancé, children and extended family. In addition, he loved football and singing. He was respected, loved by everyone and he never met a stranger.

Keyonta was preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Mildred Baker, Joe L. and Louana Moultrie; sister, Alexis Johnson; uncles Homer Moultrie, Charles Smith, James Woods, Bobby Thompson, Willie James Baker, Gregory Marshall; aunts, Doris Moultrie, Annie Mae Smith; cousins, Andre Marshall, Deborah Smith.

He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Phyllis Marshall; father, Alfounger (Cynette) Moultrie; daughter, Kenadee Thompson; son Kamrrin Marshall; fiancée, Cierra Echols Davis; sister, Rachel Brooks; brothers, Al ‘‘Dee” Moultrie, Rayshon Moultrie, James Maxwell; uncles, Robert (Nedra) Baker, Milton Marshall (Shirley), Jimmie Moultrie, Anthony (Shirley) Baker; aunts, May Woods, Martha Ann Weatherspoon, Loudean Moultrie, Nadine Bond, Claudia Thompson, Judy Marshall, Freddie Mae Marshall, Esther Baker, Marilyn (Billy Ray) Hines, Shirley Hudson; great-aunt, Nettie Jones; a host of cousins, other relatives and friends, including mother of his daughter, Colleen Thompson and children he considered his own, Ashley Thompson, Leavn Wells, Leah Wells and Aatiyanna Davis.

The family would like to express special thanks to Drs. Ron and Georgette Frierson and New Covenant Christian Center Family, Keyonta’s cousin Katrina Osborne, his loving family, the Marshalls, Bakers and Moultries, University of Michigan Medical Staff, Gloria Davis, Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.


For anyone wanting to make contributions to the Marshall Children Scholarship Fund, donations can be made at $MarshallChildrenFund via Cashapp.

Thank you for your prayers, thoughts and contributions.

Family of Keyonta Marshall

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