Robert Cornelius Marshall was born the elder child to the late Ernest Marshall and Rosa Marshall-Tanner January 13, 1930, in Quitman, Georgia. His sister, Florence Marshall Alexander, preceded him in death.
Mr. Marshall’s education began Kindergarten in Quitman and stayed through grade school and secondary school, graduating from Old Brooks High School. He then attended Albany State College (University) where he played football, tackling so hard he earned the nickname “Dizz Marshall.” Because of his athletic prowess while there and his educational contributions, he was inducted into the ASU Hall of Fame with a portrait being displayed in the athletic complex. He received a bachelor’s degree in education from Albany State College (University), a master’s degree from Indiana University, and an Educational Specialist Degree from Valdosta State University. While attending Albany State, he was inducted into the Chi Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, a lifetime journey. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in September 1953 and was assigned the position of Troop Information and Educational Instructor. Upon completion of military service, he returned home to his beloved Quitman, Georgia, where he began his teaching career. He worked at Booker T. Washington Elementary and High School as sixth, seventh, and eighth grade science and mathematics instructor. During this time, he also volunteered to teach twelfth grade American Government and helped with coaching football.
After serving in the capacity of Assistant Principal at Washington Street High School, he was named Principal of Washington Street High School in 1962. It was during his tenure that Washington Street High School, home of the mighty Wildcats, became an institution of pride for his students, teachers, parents, and the community. The school became a force to be reckoned with as it established a tradition of excellence in academics, literary arts, and athletics. He set high standards for his students, not only in education but in character. One former educator said he was an educator’s educator. How he loved those students, their parents, and his hand-picked staff!
He was baptized at an early age and attended Mt. Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the spiritual guidance of Reverend Alonzo Fudge until his health failed. He was a benefactor to many churches, students, friends, and universities.
His hobbies were talking, reminiscing, photography, and collecting art, but his passions were WASHINGTON STREET HIGH SCHOOL, Brooks County Jr. High School, and Quitman Elementary School.
Professionally, his affiliations were memberships in GTEA (Georgia Teachers Education Association), NAE (National Association of Educators, GAE (Georgia Association of Educators), NEA (National Educators Association), NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals), and BCREA (Brooks County Retired Educators Association). He was very active in the community and served as president of the Brooks County Democratic Party for many years. In addition to his many accolades and awards, he was inducted into NAFEO (National Association For Equal Opportunity in Higher Education), an award he accepted in Washington, D.C. He was most proud to be inducted into his beloved Albany State University’s Hall of Fame in 1993.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved sister’s children, Earnestine Alexander, Charles Alexander, and John Alexander; their children; a special friend and caregiver, Ms. Renee Williams; other relatives, friends, and a host of students whose lives were forever changed because of him.
Each of us has a purpose, and his was fulfilled. Mr. Robert Cornelius Marshall: Teacher, Coach, Administrator, Mentor, and Community Activist “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” – Jack Welch, former GE
Visitation will be Thursday, March 9, 2023 at the Stevens-McGhee chapel from 3PM-7PM.
A celebration of life will be Friday, March 10, 2023 at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church at 3PM with Rev. Alonza Fudge, officiating. Burial will follow in North End Cemetery. Visit this website or our Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home Facebook page to view a livestream of the celebration on Friday.
Continue to keep the Marshall Family and the Brooks County community in your daily thoughts and prayers. Mr. Marshall and his legacy will forever be remembered in the Brooks County Community.
Flowers are delivered by the preferred local florist of Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home, Inc. | Quitman, GA.
For Customer Service please call: 1-888-610-8262
Flowers are delivered by the preferred local florist of Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home, Inc. | Quitman, GA.
For Customer Service please call: 1-888-610-8262
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