Ferriel Marshall Sparrow

FERRIEL MARSHALL SPARROW (affectionately known to many as "Bird") was the son of the late Fannie B. Lawrence Sparrow Fields and Hunter Sparrow. He was born May 12, 1944 in Baltimore, Maryland and departed this life after a very long illness on Thursday, May 15, 2014 at the Future Care Coldspring Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility. He graduated from Edmondson High School in 1962. He served in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1969, having achieved the rank of Sergeant. In 1974, he received a B.S. degree from Morgan State College and in 1980, he received an M.B.A. from Morgan State University. After graduating, Marshall established Able Carpets and Floors which has been in continuous operation until his health failed. He contracted services for privated homes and many commercial establishments including churches (New Psalmist Baptist Church and First Mt. Olive Freewill Baptist Church) and flooring renovations and carpet designs for his alma mater, Morgan State University. He was baptized at an early age and later became a member of the Wayland Baptist Church where he enjoyed singing in the church choir. Many years later, he became a member of the First Mt. Olive Freewill Baptist Church where he continued to worship until he was no longer able to attend. On June 3, 1989, he married the former Jacqueline D. West. Together they enjoyed traveling, family gatherings and entertaining. Marshall was a fun-loving person. He was always meticulously dressed, never without a hat. He loved music, watching westerns and was an excellent seafood cook. He loved to fish and was an avid fan of the Baltimore Ravens. Marshall belonged to Ravens Roost #55. He also enjoyed attending the Morgan State Homecoming and Gala events each year. He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving, caring, devoted wife, Jacqueline; daughter, Carla F. Sparrow of Bel Air, MD; two sons, Kenyon N. Sparrow (Vera) of Newport News, VA and Tshaka Bellamy of Decatur, GA; stepdaughter, Nichele A. Saunders (Jerome) of York, PA; four grandchildren, Jordan Shearin of Parkville, MD, Kaelyn, Trevor and Sophia Sparrow of Newport News, VA; mother-in-law, Mrs. Wilhelmina Barlow of Baltimore, MD; sister-in-law, Victoria Schuyler of Orlando, FL; brother- in-law, Alonzo Ramsey Jr. (Valerie) of Baltimore, MD; and a host of loving aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be greatly missed.

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Ferriel Marshall Sparrow

May 12, 1944 - May 15, 2014