The Honorable Marcel Leland Reed’s earthly journey began on May 12, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois to Clarissa Reed and James Bobo. At the age of five he joined Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a member of the youth group, usher board, choir and church band.
Marcel attended St. Michael High School and graduated in 1975. His grandmother, Mary Burns, who was very dear to him, insisted he attend college. Consequently, he attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois on a band scholarship and worked at Montgomery Ward and McDonalds for more financial support toward his education. While at MacMurray College, Marcel served as President of the Student Government, and in 1979, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.
Marcel moved to the City of East Point over thirty-two years ago. In 1989, he met Angelita M. Covington and started to romance her the very next day. In 1994, they were married and to that union two sons were born, Marcel Andrew and Matthew Leland.
Marcel loved to serve people, so he started the Oak Knoll Neighborhood Association, where he served as President. Well, that was not enough; in 2005, he ran for Ward C City Council member and was elected. He was re-elected in 2009 and served until 2013 and was serving on the Building Authority at the time of his death. His service was not just to East Point; Governor Roy Barnes appointed him to the Georgia Child Care Council.
While serving on Council, Marcel organized Atlanta’s and East Point’s first walk against Prostate Cancer and was recognized by the American Cancer Society. Through his walk organizations and friends came together to form a non-profit organization called the Health Initiative for Men (HIM). He was so determined to be the best servant for the people; he worked every day, was present at all Council Meetings and attended Columbus State University where he received his Master’s degree in Public Administration. His motto was “Serving the People of the Point.”
Marcel worked for the City of Atlanta for thirty-three years; for thirteen and a half years as a Crime Scene Investigator/Analyst with the Atlanta Police Department and twenty years six months with the Solicitors Office where he became Chief Investigator. He served as a Certified Peace Officer and Training Instructor where he taught the Basic Art of Fingerprinting and Crime Scene Processing.
Marcel engaged himself in many community and civic organizations. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the NAACP, the Democratic Party of Georgia and on the Board of the Family Health Center of Georgia. Marcel was a member of the Prince Hall Masons Jurisdiction of Georgia a Past Master of H.R. Butler Lodge #23. Additionally, he was a member of Atlanta Consistory #24A, Past President of Atlanta Commanders of the Rites, 33° Masons, Past Potentate of Nabbar Temple #128 and Past Patron of Ruth Chapter #102 Order of the Eastern Stars. Marcel was an avid lover of baseball, from Sandtown to Tuskegee University, but most of all, he was a proud father and true supporter.
Marcel will be cherished for his love by his lovely wife, Dr. Angelita C. Reed; two sons, Marcel Andrew and Matthew Leland; mother, Clarissa Cabell of Chicago, Illinois; father, James Bobo of Marvel, Arkansas; two brothers, Fred Reed, of Chicago, Arthur (Melinda) Cabell of Fairburn, GA.; four sisters, Nicole (Cedric) Pope, of Chicago, Lynette Cabell of Chicago, Shelia Bobo of Arkansas, Veronica Morris of Arkansas; mother-in-law, Joyce A. Covington, Washington, DC; two uncles, Reggie Burns and Lawrence Burns; five aunts, Sharon (Bill) Leggett, Pam Burns, Martha Burns, Paulette Woods and Roslyn Lewis; three nieces, Clarissa Reed, Alexandria and Megan Cabell; two nephews, Fred Reed and Zion Pope; special traveling cousin, Lisa Patterson and a host of cousins and friends.
Marcel’s earthly journey has now ended and God has prepared him a Heavenly Home that will be eternal and filled with indescribable beauty.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Angelrita Reed & Family
2890 Knollwood Trail Lane
East Point, GA 30344
