May 11, 1943 – December 20, 2024
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Marcus Jerome Towns, 81, of Baltimore, Maryland. After a long and courageous health battle, he was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 20, 2024.
Marcus was the sixth of seven children born to Lonnie and Lucy Towns on May 11, 1943. He grew up in the heart of West Baltimore, in the Franklintown, Mosher, and Forest Park neighborhoods. Family and neighborhood friends affectionately called him Jerome. Marcus attended Baltimore City Public Schools and graduated from James Mosher Elementary, Gwynn Falls Park Junior High, and Edmondson High School.
Growing up Marcus was always neat and clean. His mother, Lucy, taught him to “look your best at all times.” He had a keen sense of style. At 15 years old, the faculty, administration, and his peers at Gwynn Falls awarded him for “Good Grooming.” He believed that “when you looked good, you felt good,” and taking care of your clothing showed respect for yourself and others.
In 1962, Marcus graduated from Edmondson High School. During this time he formed a brotherhood with close friends Johnny Jones, Irvin Dett, Ronald Robinson, and Otto Walker. He later went on to work at the C&P Telephone Company.
In December 1964, Marcus was inducted into military service with the U.S. Army through the Selective Service System. He served two years in Germany during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, Marcus aimed to live life to the fullest. He spent time doing what he enjoyed the most—socializing with friends, entertaining, and styling others.
After the war, he befriended his birthday twin Victor Green. During the height of the disco era, Marcus and Victor owned Gatsby’s nightclub along with Laura Gardner and Van Eaton. Marcus and Victor threw parties and cocktails all over Baltimore City. Even to the end of his life, Marcus looked forward to attending the annual crab feast he gave with Victor and his brother-in-law, Ollie Johnson.
Fashion was his life! A well-known clothier, Marcus was one of Baltimore's best G.Q.-dressed gentlemen. He dressed all the social movers of his time from preachers to politicians. He worked at the city’s finest and most sophisticated menswear stores—Goldbloom’s, Gage, and Gian Marco. Marcus was a salesman and a clothing buyer at Goldbloom’s and often traveled to New York Fashion Week. Marcus had an entrepreneurial spirit and sold men’s apparel and accessories in his later years.
Entertaining his friends at his place on Baltimore Street was a great pastime. He left countless stories and memories to be treasured. Like his mother, Marcus liked preparing meals for his family and friends. If he wasn’t at a social event or working, he was in his favorite room, the kitchen. He loved to eat and would never turn down a meal—“Hello!” Especially if it was a home-cooked meal at his big sister’s, Marian or Mildred, house. He loved music and attending jazz concerts. He would spend his downtime playing solitaire and watching Westerns.
Marcus was very proud of his rich family history. He’d boast of his many cousins from his mother’s 24 siblings and often reminisced about the good times he had growing up. He always looked forward to the Wood Family Reunions and Saturday dinner gatherings on Carlisle Avenue.
In 1980, he became a father to his one and only daughter, Wynter. As a proud father and grandfather, Marcus valued involving the younger generations in family traditions. He instilled the importance of maintaining a successful family legacy and preserving our African American heritage.
Marcus was ecstatic when his younger sister, Clara, gave birth to a baby boy with his namesake. He relished the moments when he could show his nephews how to be dapper and fly. Many wear bow ties to this day because of the influence of their uncle Marcus.
Marcus was a faithful member of Heritage United Church of Christ. He often told the story of how and why he joined Heritage. He enjoyed attending Sunday service, bonding with the men's group, and attending special events at church. Even through his illness, Marcus continued to receive monthly communion at home from the caring and considerate Deacon Deborah Taylor.
Over 25 years ago Marcus met Joan, his devoted partner, friend, and caregiver. Together they enjoyed attending the theater, traveling to beaches, shopping, eating out, and spending time with family and friends. Joan selflessly gave her all to his care.
Marcus was preceded in death by his parents Lonnie and Lucy Towns, and brothers, Frank Towns, Harold Towns, and Charles Towns. Marcus leaves to cherish his memory and love: partner Joan Hall; daughter Wynter Eddington, son-in-law Charles Eddington Jr.; grandchildren Kaitlyn Tanner, Charles Eddington III, Lelia Eddington; sisters Marian White, Mildred Johnson, and Clara Stanley; brothers-in-law, Thomas White III, Ollie Johnson, and Jerald Stanley; nieces and nephews Veronica Cloude (Lamont), Vernetta Toatley, Thomas “Jeff” White IV (Tia), Rhonda McLean, Darryl White (Monica), Marcus Stanley (Nicole), Nicole Woods (Baker), Jodi Perkins, Landi Towns, and Kimberly Johnson; great-nieces and nephews, Michael Coombs Jr., Kirstin Cloude, Kim Mackey, Darryl White Jr., Terrell Howard, god-daughter, Tiesha White, Shada McLean, Jasmin McLean, Brittany Boiling, Arielle Warren, Tyriq Johnson, Eric Jones, and Thomas White V; and a host of close friends and family Ruthie Hall, Victor Green, Algia Ford, Yvonne West, Ann Taylor Ross, David and Terrie Goldbloom, Stephanie Covington, Shannon Covington, Patricia Thomas, and Evelyn Corbin.
The family would like to thank all those who gave their time and love to care for Marcus. Thank you for the love and devotion that you extended. Thank you Shada McLean for being his nurse to the end, for your medical care, emotional support, and for educating the family through this process. Thank you Rhonda McLean for your presence and being a dedicated niece. Thank you to Johnny Jones, John and Lynn Jackson, and Cheryl Jordan. Thank you to the Heritage Church of Christ and Rev. Sylvia McDonald-Kaufman. Thank you to Dr. Fort, Ms. Green, and the staff at the VA hospital for their kindness and care.
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