DeMarcus Trevail Pledger was born on February 15, 1974 to the late Dino Johnson and Brenda Pledger.  He was the oldest of three siblings.

Marcus made friends easily.  He never met a stranger, especially among the female community.  He was known for his love for life, rambunctious smile, and outgoing personality.  He loved his children, his family, and his friends deeply.

Marcus was educated through the Akron Public School System.  He lived on the East side of Akron for the majority of his life.  As a child, he met and bonded with six other boys from the neighborhood, who are affectionately known as the “Robert St. Crew.”

Marcus was an entrepreneur, as well.  He, along with one of his best friends, Robert Richards, started an appliance business at the age of twenty.  Over the years, he worked several jobs, until finally finding his niche as a senior sales representative at Black and Decker/Paladin Attachements.

Marcus was preceded in death by his father, Dino Johnson; grandparents, Othie and Bessie Williams; and aunt, Tyra Williams.

Marcus leaves to cherish his memory his children:  Shai Pledger, Mia Williams, Jadalyn Pledger, and Acacia Patrick; mother, Brenda Pledger; sisters: Tiffani Pledger, Tennille (Nathaniel) Yankson, Taylor Williams, and Monique Richards; brothers: Robert Richardson, Cedric Richards, Colin Reed, John “JT” Hamilton, Marlow Payne, Harlon “Ron” Griffin, and Dorrell Johnson; grandchildren: Jaden and Jordan Pledger; special friend, Chrissy Mosley; uncle, Othie (Robiny) Williams, Jr.; aunts, Jacqueline (Michael) Owens, and Mary McCall; nephews:  DeAirre Alati, Jamie Johnson, Jamil Johnson, and Carter Pledger; extended family, brothers:  DJ Wilson and Dominic Johnson; sisters:  Melanie Walker, Nimata Erika Paul, and Dorothy Johnson; and a host of other family and friends.