January 31, 1977 – August 17, 2020
Marcus Kintá Pumphrey, a resident of Colorado Springs, passed away Monday, August 17, 2020. He was the Dean of Students at Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST), an academic, having four Bachelor’s Degrees in which he graduated with honors in all four, and was also in the process of completing his sixth Master’s degree in Principal Educators Leadership with a targeted graduation date of December 2020. Marcus served 9 years in the United States Army where he was honorably discharged and remained active in Veteran Affairs.
Marcus was born on January 31, 1977 in Denver, Colorado to Vivian L. Pumphrey and David W. Smith. He was a member of Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church and found extreme joy in being a father. He also had a passion for educating youth, loved fishing, hiking, and was an avid reader, and also ran track and field.
Marcus is survived by his mother; sister Tamisha Pumphrey of Charlotte, NC; wife, Chandra A. Pumphrey; a daughter, Shanté Pumphrey; 3 sons: Marcus K. Jr., Et’Chineé, and Macaiah Pumphrey.
Marcus was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Erma Jean Hammond and OB Pumphrey.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910, (719) 634-1597. All floral donations may be sent to the address above no later than the evening prior to the service MST. Keep in mind face coverings are required for the service.
Debbi Hill
24 Aug 2020Wow! This is so hard to swallow. My love and condolences go out to my sister (Vivian) and my niece (Tamisha). Know that I love you guys and sending prayers and comfort through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ…??
Anonymous
24 Aug 2020My heart was saddened to hear about the passing of cousin Marcus. May God continue to strengthen and comfort aunt Viv and the rest of the family during this sorrowful time. ?
Deirdre Paul
24 Aug 2020Oh Ms. Vi!!!!! I’m so sad to read this! Definitely was not expecting this. Most sincere prayers and condolences to you and your family!!
Anonymous
25 Aug 2020Vivian, Chandra and family,
Kervin and I are saddened that you have this tremendous loss. We pray that God will sooth your pain and grant you peace.
Kervin and Georgette Mack
Robin Ryines-Jackson
25 Aug 2020My deepest condolences to the family. May the peace that surpasses all understanding be with you all.
Gloria Alford
25 Aug 2020This is so sad . My close contact with Marcus was as an Advisor at a Wasson HS…he was a strong leader among his peers, a joy to work with on school events. My condolences to your family and friends. You have left positive footprints for all of us to remember. RIP Marcus.
Melva Hall
25 Aug 2020Marcus impacted so many young people’s lives. He was one of the best educators ever in my opinion!
Neil Brown
25 Aug 2020I am saddened by this news. Prayers to his family, particularly, his mother, Vivian.
Shirley williams
25 Aug 2020I’m so sad to hear that my nephew is gone to be with God.. I remember the last time I saw him was at one of our family day events at our church Emmanuel with those beautiful eyes like his father his Grandmother Miss Anna Smith is so sad to hear the baby she once kept is gone.. Marcus you are with God now.. And your Aunt Lynn Aunt Shirley Uncle Alton Troy Larry Steve Joey.. Your sister Alluria will forever miss the beautiful man you became even though we didn’t get a chance to be a part of your life.. We Love you forever and always Rest now my Nephew.. Love Shirley Granny Smith.. Gods blessings
Jean Shumar
25 Aug 2020I am heart broken for your family, especially your children.
I will always remember your generous and caring heart.
Lord Jesus, comfort them, I pray.
Beth Cutter
25 Aug 2020Marcus was a shining star in the Alternative Licensure Program at UCCS. He inspired his classmates and inspired his instructors. This is a huge loss to the education community, and we grieve with you. May you find comfort in many positive memories.
Mark Buchanan
26 Aug 2020I will echo Beth’s remarks above. I will add that Marcus was so buoyant in the face of challenges and made all of us better by his marvelous example. He was on a great ascendence on behalf of his students and peers at DSST. It is a very saddening loss, one taken well before his time, but having already made such an impact on all those lucky enough to have known him. May all of us take comfort on a very interesting and inspirational life so well lived.
ralph w ortiz
26 Aug 2020How is it we keep losing the best of us? My prayers to his loved ones.
Lauren Clancy
26 Aug 2020Tamisha, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family remain in my prayers. I know the memories of your brother will live on in your heart.
Jeannie Chenalloy
26 Aug 2020While I didn’t know Marcus personally, I know he was deeply loved by his sister and, as evidenced here, clearly made an impact on the world and those around him. A profound loss indeed. Sending my deepest condolences, love and prayers to the family at this time and in the difficult days ahead.
Claire Morris
26 Aug 2020Marcus was the most inspiring and uplifting boss I’ve ever had. He had a unique way of empowering everyone around him- especially students- to be the best version of themselves. The entire school had a strong sense of love and respect for Marcus. An amazing educator, leader, and friend. I’m so grateful our paths crossed.
Nadine Cutler
26 Aug 2020To say I am honored to have worked as a teacher under the supervision of Marcus Pumphrey is an understatement. Not only was Marcus a mentor and role model to me, he was a sincere friend. When I felt the foundations of my life were crumbling beneath me last year, Marcus opened his arms and his home to me. He made a point to check in on me regularly to see how I was doing, both professionally and personally.
Two things I really appreciate about Marcus was his honesty, and his genuity. I believe that kids have a great sense of detecting whether a teacher is faking it, and i believe one reason Marcus built such strong connections with students is because they knew he was always genuine in his speech and actions. Marcus helped reassemble the community of Southwest Denver, a community pushed aside and forgotten by many, by going above and beyond to engage students in outside activities and conferences.
The world lost an imcredible educator and human being on August 17th. I will always remember his rumbling laugh, his strength, and his softness. My deep condolences go out to his family members.
Felicia Carter
27 Aug 2020To my friend Ms. Vivian, I am truly sorry for your lost. My condolences to you and the family. I am truly lost for words. I will continue to pray your strength in the Lord.
Debbi Hill
27 Aug 2020Mother an dad loved you soooo much and was so proud of you. I can only imagine how the three of your smiles lit up when you saw each other. Your family and friends wanted and needed you here, but God wanted and needed you more. His will, not our will shall and be done. May we all be comforted in His arms, especially my sis and niece and our family…you will be missed but definitely never forgotten. ??????
Lynn Vidler, Dean of the College of Letters, Arts & Sciences, UCCS
27 Aug 2020On behalf of UCCS’s College of Letters, Arts & Sciences, I offer my deepest condolences. May Marcus’s memory be a blessing.
Sylvia Mendez
27 Aug 2020Marcus’ passion for education and supporting students and their families will remain in my heart, he was truly a pleasure to know and work with.
Barbara Headle
27 Aug 2020I remember Marcus well even though it has been years since he was my student at UCCS. I always enjoyed his passion for learning, his intellect, and generosity of good spirit; most of all, I remember his smile. My heart and prayers go out to Marcus’s family, his firends, his students, and his colleagues. He was a rare gem indeed.
Anonymous
27 Aug 2020Christina Jimenez, Chair and Professor, Department of History. UCCS
The faculty, staff and students of the UCCS History Department send their sincere condolences to your family for the loss of Marcus. One faculty member said that he was one of her favorite students.
Paul Harveyp
28 Aug 2020I was Marcus’s History professor for a class or two at UCCS, that was quite a few years ago now and I had not had any contact with him since he graduated with his BA, quite a while ago, but I had never forgotten him; his academic work was stellar, his smile lit up a room, and he was enormously popular with his peers. I still remember some great conversations with him about his dreams and plans that I had in the history hallway of Columbine Hall. I was just so sad today to see this news. I am so very sorry for his family members — Paul Harvey, Department of HIstory, UCCS.
Elin Walsh
28 Aug 2020I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Marcus was always full of life even as a youngster at Wilson Elementary. Vivian and Tamisha may you find peace trusting in God’s promises. Thoughts and prayers to Marcus’ family.
RIA Sanchez and Gabe T
29 Aug 2020I am so very sorry for your loss, our family’s prayers go out to your friends and family, may god keep and bless his journey and may god give your beautiful family strength to get throw this hard time. My Son loved him so much, he helped him come out of his shell and speak his mind, and not hide behind his learning disability he was a Amazing Teacher but a More Amazing Roll model for all his students!!! He was a power house smart, kind, very funny,and actually cared about his students, my son said and he will be missed….with our Deepest Sympathy from my family to your we are very sorry and may god bless you all…..
Phil Hilaire
30 Aug 2020Marcus Pumphrey was one of the most selfless individuals I’ve ever met. He poured his heart and soul into making our school the best school possible, and the impact he had on our community was profound. He started up a student council to build student leadership skills…I can still visualize and hear him standing in the school commons during his lunch hour, leading the student council meetings and empowering the student leaders. He was very well respected by all students and staff members alike, and his amazing presence will never be forgotten. He authentically cared for everyone around him. There was something about the way he talked to you..when he asked how you were doing, it wasn’t a polite formality..he genuinely wanted to make sure you were okay, and he would give the shirt off his back to you if you were going through a tough time. Rest in Peace Marcus, your spirit will always live on through the countless lives you touched.
Ivan hernandez
2 Sep 2020My condolences to your family mrs u were the best mentor I ever had
Andy Glasgo
2 Sep 2020My heart and love goes out to your family, Marcus. My heart and love go out to every student whose life you ever touched. You were a genuine force, an educator, and a leader, and I’m proud to have known you even as briefly as I did. Thank you for a life of service, Mr. Pumphrey.
Jason Gaulden
2 Sep 2020I’m late in hearing the news and learning of this heartbreaking loss. Tamisha, please know that my prayers are with you and the family. I have nothing but fun, fond memories with Marcus. May he rest in peace.
Latasha Long
3 Dec 2020Marcus was truly an inspirational person that inspired you through his presence and his personality. His kind demeanor and passion for education and passion to inspire impacted me every time we would cross paths. One of the things he shared with me, as he was deciding which teaching job to take is where could he teach and make the biggest impact on the students. There was this spark in Marcus that inspired you to aim for your highest potential. Thank you for the memories and inspiration my dear friend. My condolences to his family and children, may you all be wrapped in God’s comfort.
Peter codrington
9 Jul 2021Vivian. I am so sorry to hear about Marcus. You popped into my head a few days ago so I did a search and the message came up. That hurt.