Marqus Walker

Heaven Knows

On Valentine's Day, February 14, 1975, Marqus Marie Walker, known affectionately by family and childhood friends as “Mushy”, was the second child born into the family built by Marcus and Coy Walker. She would become the oldest daughter of their four children, and they would reside in Aurora, CO.

Growing up, she was a member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, where she followed the lead of her grandmother Mary Marie Martin and developed an admiration for a Christian way of life and the love of Jesus Christ. The presence of family was abundant in and around the family house, where she matured alongside her cousins and closest aunt, Margie Ann Green. Marqus most recently was a member of the Shorter Community AME Church in Denver, CO, where she continued her spiritual growth and service by using her spiritual gifts of administration and hospitality to serve alongside those on the usher board.

In her early years, she attended Aurora Public Schools. Along the way, she followed in her father's footsteps and pursued track and field, where she competed as a sprinter and hurdler and built friendships across the city. She competed well for her academic institutions and attended Hastings College after graduating from Aurora Central High School in 1993. Mushy was a true believer in education's power and value and continued to receive her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Secondary Education from Metropolitan State University (MSU). Her graduate studies followed. She obtained two Master's Degrees, one in Project Management from Walden University and another in Education with a Curriculum and Instruction specialization from the University of Phoenix. Finally, she earned her Ph.D. also in education from MSU. Her competitive spirit and desire to set and achieve goals would eventually cultivate a life dedicated to helping others pursue purpose and passion in academics and athletics.

Mushy was the proud mother of her only son Mr. Arsean Marquez Wilbon. She believed wholeheartedly that his place in her heart was undeniable, and his presence in her life was the most gracious blessing she had received.  Those who know them know a bond of mother and son that is to be cherished.

Marqus built a career over 20 years as a professional Business Analyst and Consultant for various Colorado organizations, including Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Denver Public Schools, and United Health Group. Most recently, she was the Senior Project Manager at the University of Colorado Medicine.

Marqus was a member of the Denver Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was attracted to the organization of college-educated women founded in 1913 because of their commitment to its members' constructive development through public service, focusing on the Black community. She was recognized and celebrated as a new author featured in their Sisterhood Story, an anthology published in 2017. She was elected President of the chapter in September of 2020 and previously served as Vice President for the 2018-2020 Sorority Years. She also occupied the role of Elect Chair of the Central Region Nominating Committee in July 2020.

In addition to serving her community by volunteering with local charities, reading to less fortunate children, assisting elderly community members in enhancing motor skills, and providing food for the homeless, she was an avid Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Cowboys fan. One of her proudest service accomplishments was mentoring and coaching the Lady Warriors Track and Field Team of Montbello High School, in which they won three state championships. She loved to travel domestically and abroad and was always eager to celebrate with her friends and family.

Mushy was a loving and honest friend who was also a committed mother, sister, cousin, aunt, and teammate. To know Marqus is to know honesty and truth. She was a passionate soul with a contagious spirit excited about celebrating life. Her presence is undoubtedly missed.

On February 6, 2021, Ms. Marqus Marie Walker courageously departed this earth at the young age of 45. She leaves to cherish her memory and traditions both parents Marcus and Coy Walker; one son Arsean Marquez Wilbon; two brothers, Brent Craig Martin and Julian Tyrone Walker, all of Aurora, CO; one sister Beau Manierre Houston (Marcus Houston); one niece, London Marie Pate, two nephews, Marcus Walker Houston and Hollis James-Julian Houston all of Colorado Springs, CO; extended family, best friend Mrs. Nikki Smith of Houston, TX, and other significant champions in her life.