Gary Marquise Griffin

Gary Marquise Griffin came singing into the world on January 26, 1999 at Bay Health Kent General Hospital at 1:30am, Dover, Delaware.  “The reason he was a night owl.”

Born to his mother Melissa Elaine Williams and his father the late Tucumma Yeru Griffin.

Gary received his wings on October 12, 2025 at University of Penn, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania due to cardiomyopathy heart failure at the age of 26 years young.

At an early age, Gary understood the meaning of salvation and he accepted Christ under the leadership of Bishop Overseer Dr. Myrtle Scott.  Gary self-taught himself how to play the drums, beating on pots and pans on the floor with wooden spoons.  His love for music rang through his soul.  Gary would pretend that he was directing a choir while listening to gospel music in his pull ups.  Gary had a gift to learn every note, every beat, every sound and rift.  He would often turn the living room into the sanctuary.

Throughout his childhood, if Gary heard a church service was going on he was in your backseat, praising God from the car holding a pretend mic until he reached the choir box to get the real one.

Gary received his education from the Caesar Rodney School District.  He joined the Royal Blue Gospel Choir following his mother’s footsteps. 

Gary graduated from Caesar Rodney High School in 2017 with a smile so wide, shouting and dancing across the stage, giving God the glory.  One of his many accomplishments.

Gary adventured into the world working various jobs, willing to help at all times no matter the task.  His love for helping others transpired into becoming a Direct Caretaker, earning certifications under Relias and Benchmark, passing his State Medical on October 8, 2025, with a 100 %.

When Gary sang, you could hear his angelic voice.  Through song, people would give God glory and surrender all, you could feel the anointing.

Gary enjoyed spending time with friends, family and strangers.  You would find Gary always listening to his various R & B and gospel music.  Gary also loved crafting with his mother while singing which developed an extended love for crafts.  Gary worked closely beside his adopted Godmother, Larica Curry, where he developed a love for event planning.  They both executed the vision of customers requests. Gary also loved to experiment in the kitchen he was an avid cook and cleaner. Gary would always say he could not cook in a dirty kitchen.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Tucumma Yeru Griffin; one brother, Xavier Griffin; maternal great-grandmother, Catherine Ann Harris; great great grandmother, Ruth Burris, whom he loved dearly, great grandmother Viola Cason; and great grandfather, James C. Cain, Sr.

Gary leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Melissa Elaine Williams (Colby) of Dover, Delaware; maternal grandmother and grandfather, Frances  Cason and Grayling Cason of Wyoming, Delaware; paternal grandmother, Doris Griffin of Federalsburg, Maryland; his sister, Saniyah Williams; and brother, Elijah Cason of Dover, Delaware; one first cousin, Davon Cason; half sisters and brothers, Tiyerra Brown, Imyia Brittingham (Shayne), Najee Griffin, Amya Purnell, Londyn Sturgis, Vincent Robins, Semaj Griffin, Adrian Griffin, and Jordan Marion; Uncle Gary Cason, who he was named after; and Aunt Carrye; more than a friend, sister and partner in crime, his  Tamela Mann, Ahmyah Fooks Johnson; and a brother from another mother, his best friend, his musician, riding partner and peacemaker, Jeremiah Morton; God parents, Larica Curry, Carla Tolson, and William Winchester; also a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who became family.

A Funeral Service for Gary will take place on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:00am at Wyoming United Methodist Church.  The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00am.  Burial will follow at Sharon Hills Memorial Park in Dover.

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