Getting Marque Home

Willis Cephus Washington Jr, known to many as Marque, the beloved hairstylist, artist, brother, uncle, and friend passed away Monday March 30th 2020 at the age of 57 due to the coronavirus.  His unexpected death has brought sadness to his friends and family all over the country. We will all truly miss his contagious laugh and his fabulous fashion sense.

Willis was born on February 24, 1963 in Washington D.C.  At a young age Willis knew he wanted to be in the beauty industry, he began his career at Sandra and the Stars Hair Salon. In 1994, he decided to take his career to New York City. In New York he was determined to follow his passion and reach for the stars, thus landing him a job at The View.  While at View he did hair for Barbara Walters, Star Jones and Joy Behar, earning him five Daytime Emmy Awards for hair. After his work at The View, Willis made countless other achievements:  working for magazines, videos, awards shows and salons all over Manhattan, but one achievement in his life that we know was important to him was graduating from college and becoming a Visual Artist. Willis graduated valedictorian of his class at Boricua College in Washington Heights. He received his Associates degree in English, continuing on with his studies at City College of New York, pursing Art as his major. At City College, Willis traveled abroad to Rome where he immersed himself in the art and culture of Italy.  After returning to the states he later graduated in 2018 with a Bachelors in Art, thus adding to his title, artist. Willis' art was very special to him, he painted a lot of what he saw around him and his family.  His plans were to retire to upstate New York and spend his days painting and creating art. At the End of his life, Willis was working at Styles Beauty Lounge in Manhattan.  He was able to have his first Art Exhibit at his Alma mater, Boriuca College on February 7, 2020.

Willis, we will miss your bold, unapologetic personality, and that boisterous laugh that goes with it.  Your memory will live on through your friends and your family. 

Willis' family has set up this go fund me for anyone who wants to donate towards burial expenses and for him to be returned home to his family in Washington DC.  We appreciate any and all donations. Thank you so much for your condolences and support.