Love you TJ!!!! I think about you everyday man
Life sucks I wish you were here so it can be normal again. Zara talks about you every chance she can amazing. Most days I’m lost but today I had the courage to write this. Until we meet again ❤️

I’m still don’t want to accept the fact that your gone. Everyday is difficult for me because you guided me through all adversities in life. We shared everything together from toys , games, clothes etc. I can go on for days about our relationship. We were more than uncle and nephew more like brothers. I love you TJ and I miss you everyday I’ll never forget about you. I’m tearing up writing this now because I’m still afraid to face the reality of you not being here. It’s so much more I want to say but I’ll save it for another time. Just come see me in my dreams and I’ll be waiting bro ❤️

He was my best fiend in grade school back in John H. Taggart Elementary in  Philly.  We were definitely part of a group of misfits who marched to the beat of our own drums.    Hanging out at each other homes playing Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis.   After 8th Grade we drifted apart and moved on.  We did follow a similar path going the Military route.  Wish we could have stayed in touch more.  Thank you for being my best friend and only friend for a while there.

Love you man

These last few weeks have been surreal. I don’t even know where to begin.  TJ was my first cousin, and a surrogate son to my mom, his favorite Aunt. He was her baby growing up. We all loved him so much. While this is difficult for so many to process, I’m grateful for all of the family moments and laughs we shared. TJ loved his family so much, especially his wife and children. He always reached out with words of encouragement and motivation. I’ll always remember cousin trips to King’s Island. I’ll always remember our trip running the streets in San Diego and all the jokes we cracked. I’ll always remember trips to get subs in Philly, and sneaking (and eating all of) Grandma’s Krimpets and the chocolate Tastykakes and blaming it on each other. LOL. While it’s been so hard to accept your transition, I’m comforted in knowing that your beautiful mom, Mena, and our beautiful grandmother, Pearl, embraced you at Heaven’s gates with their soothing voices and nurturing arms. No more pain, my dear cousin. I’ll love you always, and I’ll share the strength of your character with my sons - always instilling in them your belief in The Lord and your mighty spirit to fight till the end. Until we meet again, dear cousin. 

Charla

Rest In Peace Big Cuz and fellow shipmate🙏🏾 

My favorite memory of my cousin TJ was when we would  go away together to our cousin Marj’s house (his Aunt) for a few weeks in the summer! My older sister couldn’t stand me hanging around her and the “Older cousins” but anytime we all got together with TJ he would include me and let me hang out with them(I thought I was so cool)-Ha! 

But on a serious note...TJ has been a role model for me when it came down to his dedication and service to our country.  I followed behind his footsteps and joined the United Sates Navy just as he did years before me. When I had a mini breakdown my first day in A school, I called him up and he sat on the telephone with me for hours giving me the good’ol TJ lecture to toughen me up! See, that was the kind of cousin and shipmate he was, he will be deeply missed in our family. 
We love you TJ🙏🏾

HEAVEN NEEDED A NEW ANGEL & GOD PICKED MY COUSIN TJ!!!

TJ played a big part in all of our lives & even though he’s gone, the respect & love we have for him will just go on & on. 
TJ was my younger cousin, son of Teddy & Mena. Teddy would bring TJ over to visit as a baby & also we would go over their house in West Philly to visit them,  watching TJ play his games.  TJ was as lovable as a child as he was as an adult.  The picture that I attached was TJ & my daughter, Jennifer.  They were both 4 months old at that time.   TJ & Jennifer grew up to be very close.  I’m so proud that they established such a close bond.  I know Jennifer will miss TJ and so will I as well as my younger 2 daughters, Ashley & Toni.

TJ, fly high for we know you got your wings! 🥰
Love,
Cousin Pat 

I have a many memories to share, but first I'll speak about how TJ and I first met. TJ and I first met at a restaurant. We were at this restaurant because Celebration Church was hosting a dinner for all new members. TJ and happened to be assigned to the same table. I never imagined we would get as close as we did. So my fondest memory of TJ is when he came out to Dave and Busters to celebrate my birthday. I know that doesn't seem so special, but I usually don't do big events for my birthday. But because we buried my mother right before my birthday, I wanted to celebrate my birthday with family and friends to honor her, and TJ was part of that celebration. I can't come up with all of the words to express what TJ meant to so many. 

Tj was a good man. He was very sheltered over my nephew (Makhi). He was very loving in his own way. Sorry that his life was taking so soon. Bit always remember we shall see one another again,  My prayers are with the family. Please don't forget about Makhi, his only son. 

I knew Theodore as "Sketch" and we met on The Enterprise. He was amongst my friends onboard who took interest in music. I remember him being very passionate and opinated about hip hop music and the various artist he liked. Sketch was very talented as a hip hop artist. When I took an interest in writing and rapping, he was someone I felt comfortable getting honest feedback and constructive criticism from. We didn't work in the same department onboard the ship but I remember many a time seeing him leading his shipmates who were less tenured than him. Overall he was good dude and I know he had a good heart. I find comfort that religion was a big part of his life and he had a loving family around him. It is still unbelievable that he has left so soon but I'm sure he is in a better place. My condolences to his family. Sketch will be missed. 💖💖💖

My broski TJ,

Thank you for being you. Thank you for being such a great father & supportive husband to my bestie. Thank you that it was you beside Kendra, Rufo and me as we went into our new life with Jesus Christ because Rufo and I totally agree with you too, that it was also “one of the best days of our lives” too. And thank you for making my bestie happy, whole & complete. Always at her corner, selfless, and thinking of her & the kids.

From our morning family breakfast dates before church to celebrating our milestones (graduations, pregnancy, birthdays & more), I may have not realized it until now but as much as Kendra was my rock, you were my rock too, listening & giving advice.  You have been there for me, especially through the different chapters of my life. 

My heart hurts..Idk how it will be coming home without you there.. but one thing I know for sure is that I am so honored to have known you, and will continue to know you because you have left your greatest legacy: Kendra, Iliana, Esme & Mahki. 

The Rivas are not going anywhere because we are doing life with the Marions. We are family, always & forever. Always praying, loving & thinking of you, TJ.

-Beverly

P.S. Maybe I’ll ask Rufo to teach Kendra & I how to play 2K in your honor. Haha. 

 Theodore Marion aka "Sketch" and I went into the US Navy  together. We went to the same recruiting station, the same boot camp division and the same first duty station in Norfolk, VA. We helped each other through so much in our Navy and civilian lives. Together we even wrote a chant for our boot camp division 146, that they still use to this day! One time he came to Philly after I had finished my naval career. We went out, and I had one of the best times of my life. Much love and honor to him as he rests, and much love and condolences to his entire family.
TJ , Thanks for being a good shipmate and most of all friend.

HM3/SW (Honorably  Discharged), Jovian Patterson.

TJ loved helping people. He’d talk with you for hours on the phone to work through something. Then call you back at a later time for an update. 

And if you needed a laugh he would be the person to go to. 

He told me about ideas for counseling programs he wanted to start for the youth. 

TJ was a great man and I feel fortunate to have known him. 

I meet Tj in the navy while in kings bay, ga and we would have to do some of the craziest things for the navy we would just laugh and joke through it at all.  He could talk sports but bring up basketball and it would be hours and we had done little to no work. 

Kendra" oh this is beautiful! He sounded like a great man! A wonderful husband and daddy a d just all around good man that really enjoyed his family and friends! We miss seeing him come to the door everyday we came by to get olivia and drop her off he would be there and he would wave to us  🙂 he was so darn young we have son's his age and they have children and we just cant amagine this happening to them it is not an easy thing and I'm so sorry to see you all going through this pain but I know him being out of pain and him suffering is no longer is better for him I just pray for comfort a d peace for you guys💖 thank you for sharing these special family memories with us and for sharing this with us and if there is any thing you need please let me know! We love you guys and may god bless and keep you all!


I’m going to miss you bruh ( lol). Our talks, music sharing, talking about Kendra (lol). You were a great person all around and I’ll truly miss coming to you and talking to you about my problems. Rest easy bruh! 

Kendra, you know I got you FOREVER! I continue to pray for you and the family during this difficult time. I Love you 💙❤️

I AM PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR PRESCIOUS FAMILY FOR PEACE AND COMFORT . MAY GOD WRAP HIS ARMS AROUND YOU  AND GIVE YOU WISDOM! ❤🙏🏻 WE LOVE YOU ALL AND IF YOU NEED ANYTHING PLEASE LET ME NO!

I met Theo in 2004 when I checked into the USS Enterprise CVN-65. He taught me a lot about our job in the US Navy and over the years our friendship grew and over the years we kept in touch. Theo was one of the most honest guys I’ve met and would always keep it 100 with everyone no matter the situation. I know that he loved his 3 kids and his wife Kendra, we consistently talked about fatherhood and how it is important to continue to grow in every aspect of life and never to take anything for granted. Theo stayed positive even when he was diagnosed with cancer and during his chemotherapy treatments. I was able to hear one of his last songs he wrote in 2020, he was a very talented wordsmith. I know the Lord will watch over your children and continue to bless them, may your wife stay strong and keep the positive vibes. You’ll be missed Theo “Boats” Marion

Where do i start wow tj i just never thought u would leave so soon i miss u bro already i remember the times you would come to the crib at 4945 walnut st for cookouts and to chill i remember that day u my cousin joe and dash was rapping and freestyling we would play games and have a ball i love u bro continue to rest well 

Me and TJ were only 7 weeks apart. Our parents made sure to keep us close growing up. I was so proud of him when he left for the Navy. It was the best thing that happened to him. And when he met Kendra, I could hear the excitement through the phone lines! He loved her from the first time he met her. He was truly blessed to have found his soulmate.  TJ was and still is the strongest , toughest, and most faithful person I know. He taught me how to walk 100% by faith and that’s a lesson that I will continue to live by, thank you TJ for that. He taught me a few lessons that I will continue to honor and never forget where they came from. I will truly miss our morning talks and rants, lol, while he takes Esme to school or playing his PlayStation. He truly taught me to live in gratitude and made sure that I made time to “date my spouse”, lol, we’re still working on that TJ! I love you cuzzo and miss you terribly each day.  But your presence and everlasting love, light and lessons still surround me daily.  

With love,
Jenni and the Morris family 
Philly love forever

OBITUARY

Theodore John Marion II

May 7, 1982 – February 4, 2021

Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services