On Wednesday, November 25, 2020, surrounded by his family, Markus Paul left his earthly home for a better one bright and fair. Born on April 1, 1966 to Isiah Paul Sr. and the late Jeannie Lorraine Paul, Markus was their first-born son and their pride and joy. It was by their love and guidance that Markus would grow into the man we all knew and loved. Markus Paul was a faithful and humble servant of God and he served Him in every area of his life with grace and humility.
Markus attended Osceola High School where he played football and was an All-State quarterback and defensive back. He led the Kowboys to the 1982 Class 3A title game. He attended Syracuse University where he played football from 1984 to 1988. He holds the school record of 19 career interceptions, and as a senior he earned 1st team All-American honors. The Chicago Bears selected Markus in the 4th round of the 1989 NFL Draft where he played for five seasons, finishing his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Markus would have a short stint in the insurance business before being offered his first position as an assistant strength and conditioning coach with the New Orleans Saints where he joined longtime friend, Mike Woicik. From there, he would go on to coach with the New England Patriots, the New York Jets, the New York Giants, and finally with the Dallas Cowboys.
While Markus rightly deserves respect and admiration for the accolades he achieved in high school, college, as a player and then as a coach in the NFL, what motivated him daily was his faith in God and his love of family and friends. To his son, Jairus, "Be your own man," was something he heard from him constantly. To his "baby girl" Tabitha, Markus was a protector and always made sure she had everything she needed. To his stepson, Dwayne, Markus showed him what selfless and unconditional love really is; and to his stepson, Mathias, Markus showed him what a true man is and how to treat people, the happiness that his mother found with Markus was truly remarkable and will never be forgotten.
To his siblings, Markus was the best big brother anyone could ask for. He was their hero and his faith in God was something to be proud of.
He leaves loving memories to his wife, Heidi Paul, who he sincerely called "Beautiful", his children, Tabitha Paul and Jairus Paul, his stepsons, Dwayne Smith and Mathias Smith, and his grandsons, Miles and Camden Smith. He leaves his father, Isiah Paul, Sr., his sister Angela Taylor (Vince), his brother Isiah Paul, Jr. (Susan), and his brother Anthony Paul (Cassandra); as well as five nieces, two nephews, three great nephews and a host of family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 3, 2020 at North Colony Church of Christ, 6404 Paige Road, The Colony, Texas 75056. Markus will be interred in Narcoossee Arthur Fell Cemetery in St. Cloud, Florida.
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I remember you from Highlands Elementary school on field days. You and Lorenzo Rivers we're the two to beat. Always a smile. God Bless you and your family. Markus you left your mark on the people you came in contact with and left treasured memories. Tiel, December 11, 2020 It was a pleasure to know Markus when he was a member and deacon at Hickory Knoll Church of Christ. He was so humble and always an inspiration in the way he prioritized his Christianity with his schedule as an NFL coach. I enjoyed having both Jairus and Tabitha as students in the Cradle Roll Bible class. May God grant peace and comfort to his family with the knowledge that he is resting in the arms of God. Kay Davis, December 10, 2020 Markus was a great man. He always had a great smile. To his family please be strong and let God get you through these rough times. RIP Homie and please look after all of us. Billy Owens.
Billy Owens and family, December 10, 2020 Great Coach and family man who will be missed. Eugene Harbin, December 8, 2020 God bless you all . R.I.H COUSIN MARCUS Cassie Guillaume, December 8, 2020 My wife and I met Markus and his wife Patricia, Jaruis and Tabitha while we lived in Syracuse, NY between 1996-1999 while attending Syracuse Church of Christ. For those that knew Markus i'm sure that they would agree that he was more than just a Godly man, he was a man of character, that always exhibit humbleness. I recall when Markus informed me that he got the position with the New Orlean Saints and that he was moving to the Big Easy. What amazed me is that Markus was cool as the other side of the pillow with no expression and did not exhibit excitement. Now if that was me i would be jumping all over the place screaming about it, but that just showed me the type of person he was....humble. In 1999 my family and I moved to Houston, TX and when Markus found out he invited my family and i to stay with them as we travel to Houston, TX from Syracuse, NY and of course we did and while we were staying at his place with his family he still exhibited that humbleness that i got to witness abut him. Markus did not appear to be caught up in all the fan-fare that some others athletes may have and in fact he had 3 huge garbage bags filled with game balls that he received from playing with the Chicago Bears in the garage and i thought to myself....if this were me these balls would be in a trophy case in my trophy room for everyone to see. But that wasn't Markus style, he was just a down to earth guy who didn't think he was any better than the rest of him. Markus my Godly brother you are in a much better place now and know that you’ll never be forgotten. My God continue to bless your family. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" Matthew 5:4 "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" Revelation 21:4 "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" Romans 8:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" Psalm 34:18 Love, Anthony & Maureen PalmerAnthony & Maureen Palmer, December 7, 2020 To the Paul family,. I am thinking of you always. You are in my prayers. Markus was a good brother to me and I will miss him lots. May God's peace love and comfort be with you all. Caroline , December 6, 2020 You were a great teammate and friend MP! You saved my life and I am forever grateful. RIP MP#10! JohnBiskup, December 4, 2020 My condolences go out to Heidi and family, my cousins, Uncle Ike and family. May God give you comfort during this time. Tracy Paul and Family, December 3, 2020 Sending our sincere condolences to the "Paul Family" in your time of lost. May God be with you now and forever. Respectfully, GIB & JAE
Reginald Gibson & Jefferlene Johnson, December 3, 2020 I will always be there for your loving wife Heidi no matter what. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Andrea Samsel, December 3, 2020 Sending my sincerest condolences to the Paul family. May Gods love continue to give you strength and keep your faith strong through this difficult time. Heather Renee, December 3, 2020 The Poudrier family sends our deepest sympathies to Heidi and all of Markus' family and friends. Heidi you are the most courageous, kind and loving person I have come to know. Your sense of humor and love for life is inspiring. You have overcome so much and Markus will always be with you and he will watch over all of you. I will always cherish our visit to Dallas and remember the fun and most importantly the kindness that you and Markus showed welcoming my family into your home and showing us the best time ever!! Rest in peace Markus and please keep Heidi, her boys and your family safe. Love, Ben, Jess and Anthony Poudrier Jessica Poudrier, December 3, 2020 I would like to offer my condolences to the Paul family. Markus was an awesome man. I was blessed to have played football with him at Syracuse. He was a great player, man and friend! I am praying for you in your time of grief. Turnell Turnell Sims, December 2, 2020 Markus will always remain in my heart. He was a great man, a man of God and someone I always admired. My thoughts and prayers are with everybody. He is already missed more than words can say.
Bob Kelly, December 2, 2020 Till we meet again, cuz; you're already missed. Larry Paul & family , December 2, 2020 Our deepest sympathy to the family of Marcus Paul we didn't know you but feel the loss.Rip.
michaelbailey4563@gmail.com, December 2, 2020 I am so sad when I heard of Markus’ passing. Markus was one of the true great people I’ve met in the NFL. He was such a kind, friendly, God loving man. He was always such a positive presence. He brought out the best in everyone he was around. He had such a great sense of people, great awareness of others. He was truly a great man. He will be definitely missed by all of us who had the privilege to know him. Judd Garrett, December 2, 2020
