Mariko Tyshonne Billups was born the eldest son of Raymond Spivey and Jackie Billups on September 21, 1975 in Monroe , Louisiana.  He received his formal education in the Monroe City School system and is a 1993 graduate of Neville High School .  Shortly after completing high school, he acknowledged his call to ministry.  He preached his first sermon December 18, 1994 at the Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Monroe , Louisiana under the leadership of his uncle, Rev. Oliver Billups, Jr.   

 Realizing the importance of preparation for ministry, Rev. Billups enrolled at Louisiana College.  During his time at Louisiana College Rev. Billups was involved in various campus and church ministries, such as Baptist Student Union, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Intramural Sports Advisory Council, and Youth Minister at Mount Olivet Baptist Church.  In 1998 Rev. Billups graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion with a minor in Marketing and Management.    

Inspired to continue his religious studies, Rev. Billups attended the Morehouse School of Religion at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta , Georgia where he earned a Master of Divinity Degree with a concentration in Homiletics.  While satisfying his requirements at the Morehouse School of Religion, Rev. Billups served as an instructor for the National Baptist Student Union Retreat, member of the Baptist Student Fellowship, Homiletics Club, Ambassador and Keynote speaker for the annual Conference on Ministry for prospective students, and as Youth Minister at the Forest Chapel Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Jimmy Gipson, Sr.   

In October 2004, Rev. Billups was elected pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Blythewood , South Carolina where he served faithfully for three years.  On January 30, 2008 , after much prayer and being led by the Spirit of God, the members of the King Solomon United Baptist Church voted to elect Rev. Mariko T. Billups Pastor.   

            Rev. Billups has developed a history of serving in various positions throughout the years; however,  he truly values his position as Pastor/Teacher of the King Solomon United Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida, the husband of Keisha Anderson Billups, the father of Jacolby, Nyah, and London and the friend to so many.  Rev. Billups found inspiration for ministry when the Lord said, "My grace is sufficient."   .