Obituary - Anthony Maurice Essex

Music Prelude Processional - The Family Welcome - Pastor George Hurtt Scriptures - Pastor George Hurtt Musical Selection - Say a Prayer For Me - Quella Porter Obituary Reading - Douglas Cope Acknowledgments Letter From the Family - Will Simmons Reflections (2 minutes) Video Tribute Musical Selection - Going Up Yonder - Quella Porter Eulogy - Pastor George Hurtt Benediction Parting View Recessional

ANTHONY M. ESSEX, JR. AUGUST 16, 1985 – FEBRUARY 25, 2022 Anthony Maurice Essex Jr., affectionately known to his family and friends as Tony, was born in Los Angeles, California on August 16, 1985 to Taurece and Anthony Maurice Essex Sr. (Anthony Asadullah Samad). Tony spent his early years with his biological parents in the City of Inglewood; he spent over eleven years of his precious pre-teen and teen years living with his father and second mother, Debra Ward-Samad, in Altadena, California. He spent his adult years living in Harbor City in Los Angeles County. Tony attended Eliot Middle School in Altadena, and graduated from Pasadena High School in 2003. While in high school he ran track and played Jr. Varsity Basketball. As a hobby, Tony also enjoyed Taekwondo, and quickly elevated his level of mastery to a Red belt in this martial arts form. This physical skill-set influenced his interest and decision to do Ultimate Fighting and Mixed Martial Arts in his twenties. Tony also had a keen mind for technology, drafting and building things. It was nothing for him to dismantle a broken computer, radio and/or television, with pieces everywhere, and a couple of side-eyes from his parents and siblings. Yet with a focused and steady mind, he would fix the problem and put it back together. This instinctive talent sparked his interest in production design and engineering. As a result, Tony attended Los Angeles Harbor College where he graduated with an Associate Science Degree in the field of Production Design and Manufacturing Engineering in 2011. He later attended Long Beach State University with a major in Manufacturing Engineering Technology. On Friday, February 25, 2022, Tony Essex’s life was cut short through a tragic accident where he made his transition from his earthly form, and released into God’s loving hands. Those who knew Tony, experienced his brilliant mind, beautiful spirit and a heart of gold that always came with a big smile. He loved his family. Tony’s life was a challenge, and while not always in the mindset to accept love from others, his family and friends truly loved him back. The family is comforted, by the fact, that his soul is resting, his mind calm, and that he is safe in the arms of God. Tony leaves to cherish his memory, his two mothers Taurece Essex and Debra Ward-Samad, his father Anthony Samad, and his sisters Kellie Margaret Essex, Gabrielle Marissa (Essex) Fulse and DeShawn Keren Olivia Samad. He also leaves his paternal grandmother Margaret (Essex) Davis, and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who will always remember his zest for life, and the joy that his laughter brought to any room. Last, but not least, Tony leaves his beautiful children, may God’s grace continue to bless and keep them throughout their life journey –Rayden, Akira, Judah, Jacob, Mi’yorie, Messiah, and Marvin.

“When Tomorrow Starts Without Me” When tomorrow starts without me Please try to understand That an angel came and called my name And took me by the hand The angel said my place was ready In heaven far above And That I would have to leave behind All those I Dearly Love But When I walked through Heaven’s Gates I felt so much at home When GOD looked down and smiled at me And told me, “Welcome home” So When Tomorrow starts without me Do not think we’re apart For every time you think of me Remember I’m right here in your heart Author: David M Romano















The Family of Anthony Essex Jr. wishes to convey our deep appreciation for your outpouring of love, and expressions of kindness extended during this time of bereavement. May God continue to bless each and every one of you. Special Thanks to: Supervisor Holly Mitchell Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church Harrison-Ross Mortuary Regency West Caterer - Gwen Vance - “Gwen’s Specialty Cakes & Catering” Singer/ Band - Quella Porter ACTIVE PALLBEARERS Douglas Cope Jahi Vaughan Christopher Blades Mychal Jennings Tyler Essex-Simmons Tarell Essex-Simmons Roc Essex HONORARY PALLBEARERS Anthony Samad Donald Essex Will Simmons James Ward Romeo Fulse Justin Hawkins Marcus Hawkins-Dungey Anthony Tretola No Internment Repast: Regency West 3339 W 43rd St Los Angeles, CA 90008 Obituaries by Mack Enterprises Unlimited 323.789.6224