Remembering Marlon

 

Hello VOT,

We regret to inform you all that Marlon Hill, our former Bass player past away this morning February 26, 2012. Yes, this is very shocking news however I wish to encourage you all with this verse, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted", Matthew 5:4. For reasons, only God knows, He saw fit to allow our dear friend and brother to sleep and though it pains us, we can find our comfort in Christ and have confidence in his decision. If any of you all need someone to speak to please don’t hesitate to contact myself, Anthony, Mark or CJ. Please keep the Hill family in your prayers and our fellow choir members, for this is a hard time for us all. And remember, "Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning", Psalm 30:5

 

 

TELL US YOUR MEMORABLE MOMENTS WITH MARLON

 

 

 

 

 

Marjory Dolcy - When Marlon blamed me for braking his hand (I really didn't),on my first VOT trip and would call me a thug because of that. He was one of the many people that really made me feel like I was apart of VOT.

 

Nyita Brutus - Im not in VOT...but I really am..lol.. but anyway I remember meeting Marlon at a dinner held at Calvins house and I was going through a really sad time in my life. There was nothing anyone could really do at the time to make me smile and when we started talking he had me laughing from beginning to end. Everytime after that I saw him I couldnt help but be happy. You never know the impact negative or positive you could leave on someones life. He really allowed God to use him by bringing sunshine to others.

 

Michael Rashard - I remember Marlon took me out one sunday to look at guitars. I knew i couldn't afford anything in that store. But he decided to buy me my current guitar strap. I didn't even ask him for it. Now every time I put my guitar on, I will think about how Marlon showed compassion to a broke brotha at an expensive guitar store lol.

 

Cheryl Harris - I never really talked to him that much. To me he was the quiet band member who always sat down while he played his bass with a permanent smile on his face. Honestly, I always had him confused with Swain... (sorry Swain lol) At the Christmas Party on VOT Day last semester he randomly came out of nowhere, sat at my table, stared at me for an awkward 2 minutes then said that I looked like I'm beast at playing Uno then he challenged me to a game lol. It was hilarious cuz the guy I thought was so quiet ended up talking so much smack abt beating me in Uno. After that he was real cool in my book. I wish I had been in VOT during previous years so I could have known him as well I know yall now. We need to cherish every moment we have with each other. I love you all, VOT! :)... RIP Marlon

 

Lynsay D Foxx‎ - Michelle Jones remember when we sang next to each other at New Life Covenant Ministries and Marlon was practically playing the bass upright because there was absolutely no space onstage ? bahaha the look on his face was priceless : ) He didnt complain though...not once.

 

Christine McWilliams - I remember during the christmas party last semester, Marlon sat next to me during the gift exchange and it was really funny because the whole time he was explaining to me his plan of getting and keeping the gift he wanted. When he got the gift he was cracking jokes on how he was not going to let anyone take his gift lol but then he ended up trading his yellow weave for something else. He will truly be missed and i will miss his jokes that always had me laughing. Cannot wait to see him again in heaven! RIP

 

James Bennett - I remember just looking at him sometimes and by doing that I was very glad to be a part of the VOT. it really felt good to know that there were people who could be mad chill about life. he was 1 of the main individuals who made me really want to be myself when I was at VOT. also I remember when Danae was directress and she would make a mistake Marlin would make funny noises with his guitar lol.... Great times.... I even think I remember a random friday where he came up and acted as if he was about direct. Me being a freshmen at the time, seeing that made me KNOW that I was in the right choir. I remember those times where when things sometimes got out of control very rarely, but occasionally he would get up actually say something. also I remember when I was parliamentarian and we went to St. Louis we had FUN! But, the choir didn't always follow instructions in which I even had to enforce lol. that was stressful. But I remember marlin and I talking and he always had a way of putting things into perspective. we said many other talks but then I will go on forever lol. to make a long story long, I will never forget Marlin and voices of triumph will FOREVER be my family. There is something different about this choir. Something special that you cannot find any place else. Marlin was that example. I cannot wait to see the Lord crack open the sky and see you playing the bass in the heavenly band :)

 

Nathencia Johnson - Man Marlon was just on of the funniest people that I knew. My friends and I used to always go to his house for Sabbath dinner and he would have us cracking up to the point of us not being able to eat.... Gonna miss the laughter that he would bring whenever he would walk into a room....Gonna miss him.

 

Dale Simpson - 8 Representatives from VOT embarked on a journey to Papua New Guinea (PNG), to fulfill the dream of Laverne Tom, for her choir to minister to the people of her country. The trip changed my life before I even left America, I should say, a prayer warrior changed my life before I even left America. For reasons beyond my control I was stuck in LA and the group had to leave me behind. One person refused to leave and that was Marlon. From Wednesday night to Friday morning all we did was pray, make phone calls, and play this one song by L. Spencer Smith & Testament, "Surgery", to rectify the situation. It was Marlon who paid for my new ticket from LA through Japan, to PNG. Marlon's faith in God transformed my life and was the spring board for our success on that trip!!!... Ask Swain about it sometime.

 

Above all the fun, crazy, hilarious times we've had with Marlon in PNG & throughout the years, his faith in God & doing whatever God told him to (including buying me an electric-acoustic guitar for Spring Break trip last year), for me, shone the brighest. While preaching in Papua New Guinea Marlon made this statement to a packed High School Auditorium that I will never forget, "The battle is real, but so is the victory"... Let us all press on to meet King Jesus when He returns for us, and Marlon, very soon. (Psalm 116:15)

 

Toya Bennett - I remember me and marlon had this thing going on back and forth about me doin a solo if he made me sum mac n cheese cuz i heard that he could throw down on sum macaroni. So eeeverytime he wud see me he wud b like so where's my solo at and I would be like u never made my mac n cheese and he wud say cuz u never did my solo!! It was never ending thing lol. He was one of those type of people that u could jus feel comfortable with. He was such a funny dude and he had such a wonderful spirit, and was always smiling and welcoming. He was one of the faces that added to the warmth of VOT. Can't wait to see our brother n Christ again someday... 

 

Feldini Laloi - My favorite memory of Marlon was the last time i saw (last friday) and we were talking and Marlon was giving me advice on how to be a better leader than others expected me to be and that GOD is able to help me overcome all strongholds. Marlon and I would joke about him teaching me how to play bass and be like him. He was a wonderful person, with a calm spirit, and a bright smile, i've never seen him upset, He always had a smile on his face.He was like a big brother for the first four months of my VOT freshman year. He spoke real words to me and he was always fun to be around. God Bless his soul, and his family.

 

Gwen Baker (Sponsor) - I was thinking about Marlon on Friday 2/24/12 at VOT rehearsal. I did not see him there and what made me think of him was the fact that Micheal Bennett and Sherwin (CJ) Callwood were clowning (nicely) and I was laughing. I actually pictured Marlon doing as they did, but he was not anywhere around. The fact that Sherwin does play the base guitar as Marlon did is great. However, Marlon could never be replaced beause he was who he was!I remember that Marlon always addressed me as "DIVA". I mean ALWAYS...HE DID NOT CALL ME MS. BAKER... I enjoyed that! I also remember when we went to Texas in 2004 - we stayed in Houston for 5 days (Dr. Carlton Byrd was there then, we actually ministered at his church) and we stayed in Dallas for 5 days...On that trip Marlon shared his particular "wisdom" as an older student and choir member with us relative to a situation that we were faced with. I appreciated that from him and we talked about it many times after that trip. I will miss our brief but pertinent interaction that we shared over the years! TO HIS FAMILY: Yes, VOT loved him but God loved him best! RIP! Until we meet again!Camisha Browne - I would always remember him smiling without a care in the world. There was never a dull moment around him. He always made everybody laugh. A kind,gentle soul that's what he was...He'll never be forgotten...Rest in peace dear brother and friend....we'll see you when Jesus comes...

 

Hopal Melbourne - I remember the first time I really got to know Marlon and his funny side. It was alumni weekend last year and we had to ride with Marlon to the convention center for the concert. Usually when you get in a car with people you hardly know it is nothin but awkward silence but not in Marlons car, no way. He broke the silence first, made us go around the car and say who we are and where we were from and from then the jokes started to come and the atmosphere of the car totally changed where we were laughing all the way there. The way we were in the car you would never know that we hardly knew each other. Marlon I can say knew how to put a smile on a persons face and make you feel like you belonged. I was always glad to come to practice to see him smiling and playing that guiter .... No matter what Marlon will always have a place in my heart

 

LaTeya Bynum - The night of the VOT christmas party when we took a trip to Dollar Tree. Marlon kept calling me his stalker lol. Every time he would go down an isle, i would come down the same isle from the opposite direction lol. Then after we left, there was a race to see who could get back to campus first between Lora and her passengers (me Freddy, and Lynsay) and him....I think he ended up winning :)R.I.P. Marlon

 

Laverne Tom - Marlon, what can I say about this guy. Marlon was the big brother that I never had. I remember freshman year when I joined VOT. Him, Myron and Roy would always bully us cause they were so big. I remember them throwing us at the back of Lamar's Trunk, to them lifting me up like a basketball and puting my head through the basketball hoop..LOL All throughout my Oakwood experience Marlon has always been there for me. When I moved off campus, he would buy food and bring it to me, or take me out to eat. Since my boyfriend Swain was also in the band, I would tag along to most band rehearsals, social activities and trips. Sometimes I would pretend to hold the bass guitar and play it and Marlon would always cheer me on and over exxagerate about how good I sounded and that I should take his spot. Obviously, I sounded crap but his comments would always make me laugh. There were so many times that Marlon took me and Swain out to eat, bowling, to the movies and would always order pizza. Sometimes he'd come over and we'd just sit and eat junk food and tell stories for hours. It was always funny watching him impersonate people. I remember a trip to ATL, Marlon hired a car, bought the gas, payed for our food, our hotel and on Saturday night he took us out to David Busters. Aleena was there too and Rothschild, Swain and Tete. My best friend Danae and I had some wonderful experiences with Marlon as well. I remember Danae's surprise birthday at Swain's place, Marlon walked in with a bucket of KFC Chicken...LOL

 

I remember my surprise birthday party at Nothing but noodles. Everyone brought me small bags of fruits since I love eating fruits. After everyone gave me all the fruits, Marlon walks in the restaurent with two big melons in his hand...LOL..I was dying laughing but he didn't care. He came and gave me a hug and said happy birthday to me.

 

When Karate Kid first came out, Marlon, Myron, Swain and I went to watch this movie. We had a great time eating pop corn and cracking jokes at the parking lot after the movie.

 

Marlon was truly a man of God. He always gave without expecting anything in return. When I brought up my dream about VOT coming to Papua New Guinea, Marlon was committed to come from the beginning. Most people don't know the obstacles we faced prior to our trip. The devil did all he could to cancel this trip because he knew the impact we would have on the people in Papua New Guinea. Up to a few days before the trip, we were close to cancelling the trip because we had faced so many issues with our tickets. Marlon would also encourage us not to give up. He believed with his whole heart that this was meant to be. I truly admired his faith. We requested for the airline to refund our money so we can do our own bookings instead of going through a travel agent. The airline told us that it would take 3 weeks before they issue the money to us. Marlon stepped in at the last minute and used is savings to purchase all the tickets online. He said by the time we come back, they should be able to refund the money. We all left and then Dale had issues in LA. Marlon refused to leave Dale alone. After 2 days of praying in the hotel, Marlon used his last few savingst to purchase Dale's ticket to go through to Japan and then come to PNG. The crazy thing is that all of us arrived in Papua New Guinea and Marlon was the last person to arrive. He made sure everyone was there before he got there. When we picked him up from the airport, we were so excited and kept hugging him and jumping up and down.

 

And then on the trip, I cannot tell you everything that Marlon did. Marlon went to the other side of the world and changed lives. Marlon knew how to blend in and to talk to people of all different classes. He was so open to my family and he really touched their lives. On the trip on a Wednesday, we visited a village. The devil hit us and we had a accident that involved Alina Mitchell and my two sisters. My mother was insisting that we all leave the place right away and then Marlon said " We came here for ministry, no matter how hard the devil hits, we have to stay here and continue the work of the Lord". On the thursday night when we had dinner with all my extended family at my house, Marlon gave his testimony during worship and shed tears. He expressed how God really showed him how to love and to give his last and have faith in God. Many of my cousins who were there, saw Jesus through his testimony and their lives were changed. The last sabbath of the trip, we went to a highschool that was located in a rural area. The students at that school practise devil worship and all other kinds of evil activites. Marlon's sermon that day was" The battle is real, but so is the victory". Many lives were changed that day. That was also the same day when some kids saw Marlon and called him Will Smith..lol. I know I've said a whole lot but Marlon did not only touch lives in US but also on the other side of the world. He came with a purpose and he accomplished that mission whole heartedly. In spite of his illness during the trip, he pulled through. I remember giving his shots during the trip, and he would say,"Lala saved my life".

 

Last year I came back to US to visit my boyfriend Swain and Marlon was there. Him and Aleena came over swain's place and the four of us ate chicken wings, popsicles and crispy cream biscuits. We spent the whole time just sitting and laughing and telling stories and talking about our relationships. Marlon was standing up and clowning and once again immitating people. I have all these on camera and watching it again just brings tears to my eyes. Swain, Roth and I were over his house in the evenings with Alina, eating pizza, M&M's and just chillin in the lounge room tell stories till early hours of the morning. The day before I left, marlon wanted to say good bye to me so Swain and I went over to chill with him and Aleena. That's the last time I hugged him and saw him in person.

 

I spoke to him a couple of times after that especially when he was over at Swain's house playing video games. He'd always make fun over the phone. I will truly miss this guy. He will be gone for a while, but I know I will meet him when Jesus comes. Let's all continue to keep Aleena and the Hill family in our prayers. RIP Big Bro Marlon.

 

Farrah Pierre - From the first moment i met Marlon to the last time i seen him, he always had a smile on his face :)...he was such a joker and was always making people laugh. He made me laugh especially on trips. Every time i heard a bag of chips open, i knew it was Marlon. Mannnnn that brotha could eat lol... He was one of the best bass players i knew (and i don't know that many). He contributed greatly to VOT...we will surely miss him...and even though he's gone, we know that nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus; not death.

 

Danielle Dupree Green - Marlon, along with Roy and Myron were all like big brothers to me. VOT was a great addition to my Oakwood family. VOT made my Oakwood experience a memorable one. Marlon was always wearing a smile! His smile always made me smile no matter how I was feeling! He had a classic sense of humor! I loved him like a brother and I will miss him too like a brother! I wish God's peace to his family and those that were closest to him!!

 

Isaiah 25:8

He will swallow up death in victory;and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces;and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth:for the Lord hath spoken it.

 

Quiona Bernard - The greatest thing I remember is seeing Marlon at the basketball functions (the ones I actually went to) and also whenever Myron had a dinner at his house. He was always smiling and to me he looked just like my older brother! Felt like he was a brother to me. Cool dude. Alright Marlon! Love you man! Get your well needed rest.

 

Kristie Osi -My mom called him her cooking buddy because he was always in the kitchen helping her when we came to New Orleans a few years ago. Ill never forget his laugh and seeing him and Roy over there cuttin up in the corner of the band section. Always helpful and a very kind man. Someone whose memory just brings a genuine smile to my face even in this difficult time.

 

Firma Francisque -My first experience with Marlon was when VOT went to DC for a mission trip in the spring of 2008. I didn't really interact with him that much, because I was extremely shy. But we did have a couple of chats, in which I always ended up smiling. There was also, of course, the massive pillow fight we had. That was a fun time.

 

But the experience that sticks out to me the most? My brother and I went to IHOP with Lora Ebere, TaShauna & TaEisha Graham, and Marlon last week Monday (Feb 20). This was my brother's first time meeting him, and my first time seeing him since I stopped regularly going to VOT. The Grahams and Lora were sharing their memories, smiling and laughing, and Marlon had us all in good spirits, even in spite of our fatigue from the late night and the general frustration that comes with Mondays. Marlon was a great guy, and he'll sorely be missed. It's not often you meet people of such great quality, who just exude the love of Christ because He envelops them so completely. I hope to be a good Christian like he was someday.

 

Keisha Prime - He always had such an upbeat spirit and always willing to help. Lord knows how I would have gotten some stuff moved without Marlon's strong arms. I will always remember Marlon and all that he did to make my experience with VOT the amazing and unforgettable time that it was. It' won't be long until we meet again. We'll understand it better by and by...

 

LaQuisha Williams - Marlin, Marlin he was a cool dude! I remember when I actually first meet him, it was my first VOT trip to Philly. So the story goes... I saw his name written down on a box of his stuff, and I go to ask him, "are you Myron's Brother"? And he says Myron who? I say the one in MK! Then he goes into a whole series of questions of how I know him, etc ..To finally conclude by saying you ask him. I was like are you serious??? After that one instance, me and Marlin became cool. Cool enough that I started calling him "POPS" from the Wayans Brothers Show, and he started calling me Gangster and would through up signs and stuff every-time I see him lol. After all and all, I am really going to miss him. From him always joking around with me while he is playing on his bass guitar (with all his faces), the snacks he would always have on the trip when we all were hungry, and lastly his bear hugs. I'm Glad I got one last bear hug b4 he died :-)

 

Anthony Paschal - Marlon, probably the only person I've ever met who could put Myron in check ;-)! He was a strong dude! It was always him and Myron teamed up as either good or bad angels against me. One of the many that sticks out to me now is the Misconception. In this play I was the Devil and really up to no good. I was trying to deceive this family whom, I would find out, had God on their side. In the end, when I think that I've accomplished my goal Jesus shows up, and He shows up with Marlon and Myron as his enforcer angels. While Jesus is comforting the main character the two of these guys are keeping me away from his family. I'll never forget how easily the two of them tossed me around. At one point Marlon was holding up in the air out in front of his chest like I was 3 years old.

 

That scene still speaks to me! No matter how hard the devil tries to get at us, if we've got God on our side, he is easily handled. Needless to say, I, as the devil, never got to that family. I pray now that angels who excel in strength and compassion would surround those who have survived him. I pray that they would continue to protect and comfort them through this challenging time.

 

I thank Marlon for that and so many other memories that spoke to the goodness of God and the fellowship of man.

 

I love you Marlon. I love you Hill family.

 

Regretfully...

 

Lora Ebere - Marlon was a super cool person. I remember how he always had the best advice and was always willing to listen. I also remember the times I spent just hanging out after practice with him, TaShauna, TaEisha, Twan, and Tata. He always knew how to make people laugh. I know that he will truly be missed.

 

Hubert Campbell - Marlon was the co-signer...and sometimes the one that started trouble on the bus. During trips, you would always have fun if Marlon was around. Either he would crack a joke, or instigate some kind of trouble. However, when it was time to get serious, he would put his game face on, and was ready to minister. He was just an all around cool person. He just seemed so chill, and never really let anything ruffle his feathers...

 

There are two things I will always be grateful to Marlon for. One being his encouragement and willingness to help me out when I started learning how to play bass. After choir practice he would stick around and show me one or two things after practice (even though I am pretty sure he was tired from all that he had done previously during the day). Before I was able to buy the guitar, he told me what to look for, price...pretty much the whole breakdown. He just seemed like the type of person that was willing to help out if he could.

 

The second thing was the testimony he shared after coming back from PNG.It had a profound affect on me, and it is one of the many reasons why I am currently doing mission work now. Thanks again, I will miss you bro. I can't wait to play bass with you in the heaven choir.

 

Gbemi Daniyan - My first real encounter with Marlon was when I had the privilege of going with VOT to Ohio last year for spring break. It was on this trip that I realized just how hilarious he really was. I will never forget Granny D (I think it was D, lol) who loved Marlon. Oh man, she was hilarious but Marlon never seemed to be fazed by her, even when the rest of us were wondering what she was up to. But above all, I admired his humility. He was ready and willing to do what needed to be done. I know he will be truly be missed by his family and this ministry.