Marco Lionel McElwee

Life Reflections

Marco Lionel McElwee Sr. was born in Kansas City, Kansas on July 25, 1978  to John and Judith McElwee.  His mother, Judith McElwee; stepson, Adarius Barber “Tattat”; great uncle, Tilton;  uncles, Milkoyan McElwee; Phillip “Butch” Randall; Jimmie Jackson; and Rev. Huie T. Cunningham; aunts, Bernice Jackson; Frances Gordon; and Mary Randall preceded him in death.

He was baptized at an early age under the leadership of his uncle the late Rev. Huie T. Cunningham at Allen Chapel AME Church, Kansas City, Kansas.  He was active in the Young Peoples Department  and member of the youth choir.  He was a past  member of  New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Temple Full Gospel Church, Kansas City, Kansas.  After his move to Aurora, Colorado he joined St. John Pentecostal Church of God in Christ.

Marco was a loving father of seven, in which six are left to carry on his legacy.  Marco Jr.; Airiel; De’Mitri; Valyssa; Knyle; and MaKaily.  Marco was a very involved, supportive, and fun-loving father.  His children adored and loved him, and he loved and adored each one of them.  His love for his children was unconditional.  Marco was a very involved, supportive and fun-loving father.  His children adored and loved him and he loved and adored each one of them.  His love for his children was unconditional. 

He graduated in 1996 from Schlagle High School and attended Cutting Edge Barber School in Kansas City, Kansas.  He was previously employed for Tippins Pies, Penske Trucking and most recently employed at Landmark Packaging, in Denver, Colorado.  He served with dignity, grace, and kindheartedness in all of his career choices.

Marco promised his mom that he would make her proud and that is exactly what he did. He moved his family to Colorado.  Once in Colorado, he began to transform his life and immediately found a church home with St. John Pentecostal Church of God in Christ to continue his work with the Lord.  Not only did he hold down a fulltime job, he became an entrepreneur, starting his clothing line “BOSE” Building Over Struggles Every day and a health fitness business as a sales representative for Total Life Changes. He settled his family into a “deluxe apartment in the sky” overlooking the Pike Peak’s mountain, the mountain where the song “America the Beautiful” was inspired-waking up every day to a view of God’s magnificent glory-purple mountain majesties.  Marco was just beginning to soar.  He was destined for great things.  He was a friend to everyone.  Marco has never wavered in his faith and because of his commitment to God he was truly blessed.  Marco possessed a good spirit and a forgiving heart. He was loved by many and his presence will truly be missed.

A few of the reflections of family members are: he made everyone feel special in his own way; he took on the role of big brother and little brother to all his cousins.  He was a peacemaker and the life of the party.  His laugh and smile was contagious; he was a great listener; he was a devoted family man,  loyal,  confidant, and the greatest friend anyone could ever have.  He cared deeply for his children by actively participating in all activities his children were involved in.  He LOVED his family unconditionally.                                                            

He is survived by his wife, Athayna McElwee; father, John N. McElwee; children, Marco Jr.;  Airiel;  De’Mitri; Valyssa; Knyle; and MaKaily; one sister, Tameka Pendleton; great aunt, Gladys Cage;  aunts, Bathsheba McElwee; Thelma Cunningham; Leona (Darrell) Franklin; uncles, Edward McElwee “Daddy’O”; Nakita McElwee “Skeet”; Arthur McElwee “Juno’; Robert Gordon Sr.; and a host of cousins and friends.

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