The life of a man of great faith, humility and presence reflects the glory, compassion and exceptional artistry of his Creator.
Marshall Rouse was born on May 15, 1954 to the late Jake Rouse and ML Moses Rouse in Bishopville, South Carolina. Preceded in death by his parents and brother, Leroy Toney, he departed this life on Tuesday, August 23, 2022.
Marshall worked hard during his childhood alongside his father on the family farm. After school, he cultivated the soil and planted seeds to make ready the harvest.
Marshall loved the Lord. At an early age, he joined New Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Bishopville, South Carolina. He was active in youth activities, sang in the choir, ushered and served as a youth delegate to annual conferences.
An exceptional student, Marshall always had a gift for solving mathematical equations. While in high school, he was inducted into the National Honor Society, became a member of the Future Farmers of America and worked as a school bus driver.
After graduating with honors from Mount Pleasant High School in Elliot, South Carolina, Marshall matriculated to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical (A&T) State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. While a student, he was awarded an internship for a program with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Marshall graduated from college magna cum laude in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. In 1986, he earned a Master of Science degree from George Washington University in engineering science.
Marshall worked at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton Virginia for his entire professional career of 43 years. At the time of his retirement, he was a senior research engineer in the Structures Testing Branch of the Research Directorate. A diligent worker and scholar, Marshall authored and co-authored over seventeen technical papers on subjects related to his experimental and analytical research. Serving with excellence and humility, he received several performance awards and recognitions. Marshall was the recipient of NASA’s Exceptional Service medal. His professional affiliations included the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the National Technical Association and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Investing time towards supporting students, Marshall also participated in several mentorship programs for others aspiring to become engineers.
On August 1, 1987, Marshall married Elizabeth Taylor, embarking on an unbreakable union and best friendship. Together, they enjoyed traveling to family reunions, cruising to exotic locations, and attending North Carolina A&T State University homecoming weekend festivities.
Marshall was an active and dedicated member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hampton, Virginia. He fulfilled many responsibilities for the church while serving as a trustee, usher, and treasurer. Marshall was a member of several church organizations and sang in the Men’s Choir. There were times when he drove the church van to pick up members in need of transportation to attend church.
Marshall was celebrated for his love for God and caring personality. He was an attentive and pleasant conversationalist, who gladly spoke about a variety of topics. Marshall enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and church members. He liked grilling, watching Star Trek and keeping up with current technological devices and gadgets. Marshall was an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated; Les Hommes Civic and Social Club; and the North Carolina A&T State University Alumni Association, Incorporated.
Marshall demonstrated his love for God and people through his lifelong actions and deeds. He was a committed, compassionate and caring family member. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted and loving wife, Elizabeth Taylor Rouse, brother, Johnell Toney, sister Gloria Rouse Slater, sister-in-law Mary Burton, nieces, nephews, and a host of additional relatives, church family and friends.
Marshall believed in the word of God and lived a life inspired by the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:13-14 as he shares, “Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.”
May the work I’ve done speak for me.
May the work I’ve done speak for me.
When I’m resting in my grave, there is nothing to be said;
May the works that I’ve done, speak for me.
May the life that I live speak for me.
May the life I live speak for me.
When the best I try to live, my mistakes He will forgive;
May the life that I live speak for me.
Viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 1, 2022 at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Hampton, VA. Interment will be in Hampton Memorial Gardens.
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