With heavy hearts, we announce the untimely passing of Da'Mar Marzhiere McKinney, a shining light born on October 11, 2008, in Youngstown, Ohio. On February 11, 2026, Da'Mar’s bright spark was extinguished far too soon, but the warmth of his spirit will forever linger in our hearts.

Da'Mar, affectionately known as Duce, was a sweet soul, known for his calm demeanor and that smile that lit up any room he entered. He loved gaming with friends and shooting hoops with his brothers, always immersing himself in the joys of youth.

A graduate from the Mahoning Valley Community School in 2025 at just sixteen, Da'Mar didn’t just earn a diploma; he earned accolades with 28 high school credits and industry-recognized credentials. He was an engaged scholar, shining as he took part in the Korda community project and passionately spreading the word through Dr. Rashid Abdu’s breast cancer awareness campaign. He truly cared about making a difference.

His heart was big, and his love for family boundless. Da'Mar cherished his mother, Arielle Brown, his father, Lamar McKinney Sr., and stepfather, Juran Hill. Alongside his loving siblings, he dreamed of a brighter tomorrow for his family.

Da”Mar leaves behind a vibrant family: his siblings Lamar Mckinney Jr. Robert Perry Jr., Ju'Siah Hill, The McKinney Twins, Kimara McKinney, Marlaja McKinney, Shamarra McKinney, Jakyra McKinney, Lamarrion McKinney, Kemonty Carver and la'ziya Moore. His circle of love extended to a host of cousins, aunts, and uncles, each holding their special place in his heart.

Though he leaves us early, Da'Mar's spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of many. He is welcomed into the eternal embrace of loved ones, including his grandmother, Darlene Bell; grandfathers, Gary Clarke and Richard McKinney; uncle Pierre McKinney; and little nephew, Mar'zeir Ahmarjai Savon Tarver.

Da’Mar’s life and legacy will be honored on Thursday, February 26, 2026, with a 10:00 AM public viewing at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave. Youngstown. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:00 AM with Rev. Lewis W. Macklin II as the celebrant.

In his memory, a tree dedicated to Da’Mar will be planted in the Mohican-Memorial State Forest through the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation’s Trees for Peace Initiative.

Though our hearts ache with the void left behind, we will remember Da'Mar with every smile and every cherished moment, keeping his light alive in the stories we share and the love we hold.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Da'Mar Marzhiere McKinney elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.