Marcus Sample, 54, of Freeport, IL, passed away on February 23, 2026 at Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford. He was born on March 10, 1971 in Tutwiler, MS, to Hosea Smith and Maxine Sample-Smith. He attended Jackson State University and was formerly employed at Kelly Springfield.

Survivors include daughter: Ebony Sample, son: Marcus Hilson, bonus daughter: Amari Newton, sisters: Inez Grisby, Anna Wiggins, LaTanza Houston, and Cynthia Toney; brothers: Ronald Houston, Donald Houston, and Bennie Sample.

He was preceded in death by his father & mother, brother Troy Sample, and sister Rosie Evans.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday March 13, 2026, from 4PM - 7PM, at the Grand River Hall, 101 S. Liberty Ave in Freeport, IL.