Marvin Preston Elliston, 77, passed away August 9, 2023. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, August 18, 2023 at Corinthian Baptist Church in Des Moines with a memorial service following at 11 a.m.
Marvin was born December 25, 1945 in Des Moines, IA to Margaret Preston and Robert Elliston. When a child Marvin moved to Los Angeles, CA, Marvin moved backed to Des Moines, IA to graduate from East High School in 1965. After graduating from East High School Marvin attendant Texas Southern University. In the summer of 1968, Marvin worked at Better Homes & Garden Publication as an intern as a layout artist. Marvin married to Johnetta Elliston and she passed away May 22, 2013. He graduated from Texas Sothern University Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in 1971, and received an American Advertising Certificate from the University Of Southern California.
During the 70’s and 80’s he worked as a Freelance Graphic Designer Artist in Los Angeles with notable projects: Disco 9000, Max 151 Club, Total Experience, Jackie 0’5, Redd Foxx, and Sammy Davis, Jr. Marvin then moved to Las Vegas in 1998 and started working at Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino. He worked there for five years during the 2001 Art Show Exhibit-Night Shift Art, 2004 Art Show Exhibit-Annie Lee Art Gallery: Buffalo Soldiers, 2005 Show Exhibit-Curbside Art 2005, 2005 Art Show Exhibit-Collection Rap & Hip Hop Artist, and the 2008 Art Show Exhibit-The House of Blues Collection of Soul.
On the September 25, 2006 at Mountain Top Faith Ministries, Las Vegas, NV, Marvin was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38). On the October 3, 2006 at Mountain Top Faith Ministries, Las Vegas, NV, Johnetta Elliston was baptized in the names of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38) by Clinton House, Senior Pastor. On the September 13, 2015 Marvin became a member of Corinthian Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Jonathan B. Whitfield, Senior Pastor, and Deaconess Dorothy Sheley, Secretary.
Marvin is survived by his daughter, Zhvanni Kcourtzanni; brother, Gary Elliston; two sisters, Bobbretta Brewton and Kathy Elliston; stepdaughters, Kim Moody and Brittany Stowe; granddaughter, Ariel; step-grandsons, Alan, Arthur, Alexander and Aidan; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other family members.
