Marcus “Da Comedian” Jackson was senselessly murdered this past August. His mother, Miranda Burton-Hinton, is having a Toy Drive in his honor. They are accepting new toys for all ages through December 15, 2020.
Courtesy photo taken Thanksgiving of 2019
LANSING, MI — Every morning she wakes up, Miranda Burton Hinton is hoping that it is just a dream that her son, is gone. His plane landed around 3:00 pm and he had not been in Lansing an hour before he was murdered. His mother did not get to see him.
Marcus Shantwaun Jackson-Burton passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at the age of 32 years old during a senseless murder. The shooting happened in the parking lot of a strip mall in the 3400 block of Pleasant Grove Road, at Holmes Road.
He was born March 30, 1988 the son of Kenneth and Miranda Faye Hinton and Steven and Tanya Jackson in Houston, Texas.
His mother, Miranda, said that Marcus was blessed with the gift of making people laugh from an early age. In 2011, he decided to take his gift to the next level by launching his first of many comedy shows.
Marcus’ charming wit and personality brought him to the “big stage” with high profile comedians such at Kevin Hart, Rickey Smiley and DC Young Fly. When pursing his dream he worked for General Motors in Lansing, MI and Arlington, TX.
Marcus graduated in 2006 from Sexton High School in Lansing, Michigan. He attended Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
He loved sports, and participated in a number of them, which included: basketball, track, and football. He also coached little league football, because he loved to spend time with his children. They were his pride and joy.
Miranda said, “Marcus was known best for his big smile and deep dimples. If he had a bad day, you would not have known it, because he never stopped smiling. He had a heart equally as big as his smile that led him to participate in the Gift of Life. Even after his death, Marcus wanted to give back to others.”
Turning Pain into Purpose
Marcus’ heroic act of kindness as an organ donor allowed seven others to live. That generosity is why Miranda decided to have a toy drive in his honor.
Miranda said, “Marcus was always helping others. This collection of gifts will help our family deal with the grief of not having him here during the holidays. We are doing exactly what he would have done for someone else.”
The family is in the process of creating a nonprofit to honor Marcus’ life as well.
Miranda has partnered with local businesses to collect the toys and they will be distributed throughout the community to those in need.
He leaves to cherish his memory his four children, Nileya J. Johnson, Ma’kye A. Jackson, Mikell A. Jackson and Kamari J. Jackson, all of Lansing, Michigan; parents, Kenneth and Miranda Faye Hinton, Steven and Tanya Jackson; 10 brothers: Jeremy (Nikki) Hinton, San Diego, California, Marquavian Burton, Lansing, Michigan, Jordan (Danyell) Hinton, Holt, Michigan, Carlus Kelley, Jasper Hinton, Dequan Townsend, Brandon Scott, Darien Jackson, Marshaun Jackson all of Lansing, Michigan and Brandon Jackson, San Diego, California; 5 sisters, Amber (Harold) Johnson, Mainsfield, Texas, Veronica Owens, Holt, Michigan, Tiara Townsend, Lansing, Michigan; grandparents, Mary Delois (John) Porter, Earnest (Linda) Carter all of Indianapolis, Indiana; special aunts, Taquana (Damian) Morris, Mainsfield, Texas and Charlesetta Kelso, Lansing, Michigan; special nephew, Myles Smith-Townsend, Lansing, Michigan; many other relatives including uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Marcus was preceded in death by his brother, Steven Jackson, who was killed at the scene on Pleasant Grove; grandparents, James and Clementine Jackson; special nephew, Malakye Smith-Townsend.
Zacharey Leigh Diederichs, 31, is charged with murder, assault with intent to murder and five weapons counts.
Editor’s note: We will be doing a follow up to this story. We did not know Marcus but he has a youtube account at “Marcus Da Comedian Jackson.” Contact Miranda Burton Hinton at mirandaburtonhinton@gmail.com.
Drop off locations in Lansing:
B&W Hair Fashions 2215 West Holmes Road
Classy Image Hair Salon 3201 West Saginaw
Dreadbar and Vanitee Nails 1515 West Mt. Hope
Exquizite Body 3208 South Pennsylvania
Fetish, LLC 4601 West Saginaw, Suite F
Moneyball Sportswear 603 North Waverly
Tax Gurus 4601 West Saginaw, Suite C
Wing Heaven 3418 Pleasant Grove
