We are gathered here today to honor the life of Marcus Scott. Marcus Deon Smartt was born on June 23, 1969 to the late Roderick Bell, Sr., and Gloria Fletcher in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama. Marcus made peace with the Lord on December 25, 2024 at Huntsville Hospital surrounded by his family and friends.
Marcus was preceded in death by his father, Roderick Bell, Sr.; grandparents: Charlie Smartt, Sr., and Ora Mae Smartt; and uncles: Charles, Jr., and Edd Smartt. He was baptized and joined Owens Chapel.
He was an exceptional man whose spirit touched everyone around him. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, Marcus was a shining example of love, kindness and dedication.
Marcus was a family man at heart, always prioritizing those he loved above all else. As a husband, he stood by his wife through thick and thin, creating a partnership built on mutual respect and unwavering support. His children knew him as a guiding light, a source of wisdom and encouragement, always ready to lend a hand or offer sage advice. Marcus took immense pride in being a father, inspiring in his children the values of hard work and compassion.
As a grandfather, Marcus’ heart swelled with joy at the sight of his grandchildren. He cherished every moment spent with them. His playful spirit and genuine affection made him a cherished figure in their lives, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Marcus was kind to everyone he met, embodying the true essence of friendship. He had a remarkable ability to lift others up, often being the center of attention with his infectious laughter and amazing warm smile. Friends knew they could count on Marcus for support, whether celebrating life’s triumphs or navigating its challenges. He was always there with a listening ear and words of encouragement.
A passionate sports fan, Marcus has an unwavering love for Alabama Crimson Tide Football and the Dallas Cowboys. He could often be found cheering loudly during games, sharing his enthusiasm with friends and family alike. His love for these teams was not just about the sport, it was about loyalty, the shared experiences and the joy of rooting for something greater than himself. Not only did he enjoy the sport of football, but he was also an avid fisherman (Angler), which he named himself “Bankscope.” Marcus’ passion for fishing brought him immense joy and tranquility. His enthusiasm for the sport was contagious, inspiring those around him. The memories of his love for fishing and the joy it brought him will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of sharing those special moments with him.
My husband’s legacy is one of love, kindness and joy. As remember him today, let us carry forward his spirit by embracing the values he had dear—devotion to family, the importance of friendship, and the joy of simple pleasures. Though he has left this world, his impact will resonate in the hearts of all who knew him.
“Rest in peace, my loving husband. Your love, laughter and amazing smile will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.”
Marcus Deon Smartt leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Rena Smartt; two devoted sons: DeMarcus Dean Smartt and James Maurice Moody, Jr. (“JJ”), both of Huntsville, Alabama; two devoted daughters: Terasha Lashay Smartt and Katelyn Nicole Moody, both of Huntsville, Alabama; three grandchildren: Gary Hewlett, Jr., Jathan Crawford, and Harmonie Nicole Moody; mother, Gloria Y. Fletcher; mother-in-law, Fonda Roberson of Buffalo, New York; grandmother, Amelia Marie Bell, Nashville, Tennessee; five brothers: DeWayne Fletcher, Quincy Fletcher (Kandy), Antonius Fletcher (Andrea), all of Huntsville, Alabama, Roderick Bell, Jr., Houston, Texas and Robert Houston (Temeka); one sister, Detra Fletcher, Cleveland, Ohio; and a bonus sister, Aviance Setters, Huntsville, Alabama; sister-in-law, Rachelle Gregg, Carson, California; aunts: Florence Love (Robert), Mary Gibson, Huntsville, Alabama, and Linette Bell, Nashville, Tennessee; uncles: John Smartt, Grant Smart, of Huntsville, Alabama, Michael Bell (Edwyne) Nashville, Tennessee, Donnie Bell (Jeri), Antioch, Tennessee; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and former wife, Carol Burruss, the mother of his two children; special father figures: Thomas G. Beon and Tony Acklin, Antioch, Tennessee; and friends: Bobby Scales and Adam Richards, Huntsville, Alabama.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Sunday, January 5, 2025 at the Owens Chapel Missionary Baptist Church (2520 Elton Road, Huntsville, AL 35810) with Dr. Wendell Thompson officiating. Interment will be in the Meadowlawn Garden of Peace. Mr. Smartt will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Public viewing will be held from 2:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Saturday, January 4, 2025 and 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Sunday, January 5, 2025 at the Royal Funeral Home.
