A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.
E’Mari Maurice Marshall-Woodard was a bright light whose presence brought love, laughter, intelligence, and joy to everyone around him. Though his time on earth was far too short, his impact will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Born on January 14, 2012, in Springfield, Massachusetts, E’Mari was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, student, teammate, and friend whose life touched countless people.
E’Mari attended Springfield Public Schools and was a student at Kiley Middle School, where he was known for his brilliant mind and extraordinary gift for mathematics. He could solve problems in his head with ease and encouraged others to embrace being smart, kind, and confident. He was a natural peer leader and a source of positivity to everyone around him.
E’Mari had a personality that was impossible to forget. He loved playing basketball and football, reading, cooking, and spending time doing the things that brought him joy. He was proudly known as the “Fortnite King” and was a dedicated gamer who loved spending time on his PC. Gaming wasn’t just a hobby; it was one of his favorite ways to connect, compete, and create memories.
Like many 14-year-olds, E’Mari had favorite snacks and foods that always made him smile. He loved Takis, Jalapeño Cheetos, fries, chicken nuggets, and mozzarella sticks. He also loved cornbread, which is exactly how he earned the nickname “Cornbread.” It became a name that so many knew him by and one that perfectly reflected his warmth, joy, and unforgettable personality.
Above all, E’Mari loved wholeheartedly. He especially loved his mother and never missed an opportunity to tell her, “I love you,” every chance he got. Whether in passing, before leaving a room, or during an ordinary moment together, he made sure she knew exactly how much she meant to him. Those words will forever remain one of the greatest gifts he left behind.
E’Mari was thoughtful, respectful, responsible, and mature beyond his years. He took pride in everything he did. His smile, laughter, intelligence, and loving spirit will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
E’Mari leaves to cherish his precious memory his loving mother, Maurissa Marshall-Harris, and stepfather, James Harris; his father, Reginald Woodard Sr.; his beloved siblings, Reginald Woodard Jr., Krystin Woodard, Dallas Jackson, Brianna Woodard, and step-sister Jala Harris; his great-grandmother, Ezella Marshall Rivers; his aunts, Lucretia Marshall-Fejardo (Alex) of Atlanta, Georgia, Tonoa Brown of Washington, D.C., Chivon Burke of Florida, Tina Woodard, and Felicia Woodard-Ealy; his uncles, Ricky Brown and Terrance Brown of Springfield, Massachusetts, Eron Thompkins of Atlanta, Georgia, Donald Woodard, and Dwayne Norman Sr.; his godparents, Deon Cordero, Yolanda, and Freddy McDonald; his niece and nephew, Jaliyah and Dior Harris; his god-sister, Naliyah Ingram Blackshear; his cousins, Nylah Brown of Florida, Michael Hall Jr. and Ealijah Marshall Davis of Atlanta, Georgia, Milo Brown of Washington, D.C., Madison and Dallas Kirk of Jacksonville, Florida, Erika Williams of Jacksonville, Florida, Anisa Washington, Juliana Washington, Prince Charles, and Seiniece Alexander; along with the Woodard family, a host of extended family members, classmates, teachers, teammates, close friends, and an entire community who loved him dearly.
E’Mari was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Barbara Marshall Brown; his grandfather, Maurice Tait; and his paternal grandparents, Mr. Ernest Woodard and Mrs. Mary F. Woodard. Though his life lasted only fourteen years, his legacy of love, kindness, intelligence, laughter, and joy will live on forever.
Forever 14. Forever loved. Forever remembered. ■