Phoenix, Arizona,

Professor Marcus RaySean White 31 passed away in Arizona on Thursday, May 14, 2020.

Marcus was born on May 17, 1988 in Raleigh, NC. After many years of directing choirs, leading step teams and cheering Marcus began his dance career in 2005 under the direction Quisan Parker. He graduated from Clinton High School in 2006. After high school Marucs attended UNC Chapel Hill and graduated from UNC-G in 2010 with a Batchelor's degree in Fine Arts. In 2012, Marcus moved to Ann Arbour, Michigan where he earned his Master's in Fine Arts from the University of Michigan. While in Michigan, Marcus founded the performance production company White Werx that spans various genres and dance styles. As founder and director, he has created work for both stage and screen including Moving 24 FPS: Dance and Film Weekend Created in partnership with Carlos Funn of Funn Foto. Marcus has taught at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan and has also served as a guest artist at various prestigious pre-professional dance programs such as the Dance Theatre of Harlem School, American Dance Festival, Hollins College, Penn State University, University of Montana, Oakland University and the American College Dance Association. ; and was nominated for a UNCG Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2016 Marcus accepted a position as an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University, where he worked until his passing. During his time at ASU Marcus focused his work on cultivating the Urban arts community. Marcus spent his life creating spaces and opportunities for people to become movers, thinkers, and overall the best version of themselves.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2;00 pm Saturday, May 30, 2020 at Clinton Community Church, 1901 Sunset Ave, Clinton.

Marcus is survived by his Mother, Rhonda D. White, of Greenville NC; his Father, Timothy R. Goodman, Jr., (Phyllis Goodman) of Clinton. Sisters: Monique S. White, Greenville NC, Kaya Foster, Clinton NC and Trinity Truesdale, Greenville NC. Brothers: Cameron White, Greenville NC, Brandon Jennings and Rory White, Greenville NC. Grandparents: Joyce and Leroy White, Clinton NC and Dazell Goodman Clinton NC

Professional services are entrusted to Hope Valley Hawkins Funeral Service.