Mark grew up in Greensboro, NC and graduated from Southeast Guilford High School in 1981. He received both his undergraduate degree in 1985, and then his Master’s degree in 1986 from Western Carolina University.
Mark then began a very successful career with Sprint Telecommunications in Florida, quickly progressing to senior management level in Kansas City, KS.
Mark was very athletic, and had a love of sports. He was all-conference in track and field as well as football while at Southeast. He then continued his athletic career in both while at Western Carolina. Following college, Mark’s competitive spirit was still strong, so he began participating in several national triathlons. His multiple interests outside of sports included singing in the madrigal choir in college, and more recently, the Coral Society of Greensboro.
While training for a triathlon in 2001, he suffered a grand mal seizure. This led to a life changing diagnosis of brain cancer. After surgery, chemo and radiation, Mark battled to live a full and impactful life. For the past 21 years since his diagnosis, his mission and purpose was to help others. With the help of some amazing people, Mark founded a non-profit organization, BeHeadStrong, while in Kansas City, KS. This organization focused on patients and families suffering from brain tumors. It remains strong and active in the Kansas City area today.
In 2012, and in need of assistance from family and friends, Mark returned home to Greensboro. He continued his mission to help others in the brain tumor community by founding, TriadBeHeadStrong, a foundation to assist patients and families in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina. His legacy, and mission to help others will live on through these organizations.
Mark had a great love of family and strong faith. Nothing made him happier than family gatherings, and he was very proud of his family; especially his niece Ashley and nephew Justin.
Mark was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Pearl Litton Emory, and Ernest Joseph Emory, as well as his paternal grandparents, Mammie Crowder Newsome and Charles Richard Newsome, Sr. He is survived by his loving parents, his brother, Charles Michael Newsome, his sister Michelle Newsome Reece (Scott), Niece, Ashley Reece Willard (Clif), nephew, Justin Scott Reece, great nephew Reece Hunt Willard and great niece, Emory Scott Willard.
Memory and love donations can be made to TriadBeHeadStrong.org, PO Box 8076 Greensboro, NC 27419.
The family wishes to thank the many friends and family that supported and loved Mark through his life and journey.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday July 23rd, 2022 at Gate City Baptist Church, 5250 Hilltop Rd, Jamestown, NC 27282. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m.
Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.
