Mark Brown

Mark Brown passed peacefully from this life on the morning of July 29th at the age of 97. He was born in Edwards, Mississippi; on December 13, 1923, to Lillie Gaskew and Eddie Brown. Both of his parents preceded him in death.

Mark was raised in Edwards, Mississippi with a younger brother, Oscar Perry. His mother, came from a large (Gaskew) family and he had many aunts, uncles and cousins. At an early age, he had responsibilities upon his little shoulders. He learned to work and plant the fields, care for his younger brother and often had to kill a chicken in the yard or hunt for a rabbit to cook for dinner. He was born with a spirit of inner strength, courage and perseverance. Without knowing what the outcome would be, he had the courage to find his own way.

Mark left home somewhere around the age of 11 or 12. He said, he worked wherever he could, sweep floors, cooking or cleaning. He traveled to nearby towns; would work for a little while and then move on. He would say, “that was when I was hobo’n”. He joined a CC Camp [Civilian Conservation Corps] and had to ask his mother to lie about his age to get in. He served in the CC camp until being drafted in 1944 at the age of 21. Mark was in the US Navy from 1944-1946 and was Honorably discharged as a Seaman 2nd Class; with recognition remarks for: American Area Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal. Mark and his first wife, settled in Washington in 1945.

He lived in the Seattle Central District for many years and the latter part of his life he lived in the Rainier Valley area. Mark was preceded in death by his first wife, Bernice and his stepson, Quilla ‘Sonny’ Lofton. In 1962, his daughter Tina L. Edwards was born; he gained several stepchildren in the process. Mark was a man of integrity. He was hard working and believed strongly, that your ‘word’ held you Honor and Worth. He was great at telling stories (parables) or meaningful quotes. “If you ain’t got 2 nickels in your pocket; all you got is your word. If your ‘word’ can’t hold water…you in a heap of trouble Jack!”

Mark worked for the United States Railroads, Todd Shipyard for nearly 39 years and held side jobs at the same time. In 1960, Mark met Arthur “Willie” Williams as his new neighbor. Their first meeting would later be the cause of much laughter throughout their years. The friendship, respect and bond they had were priceless and treasured; they were brothers in heart! Mark met Gloria Pugh, in the mid 1960’s. Their friendship grew over many years, and they later married. He again, inherited a ‘gang’ of stepchildren with this union.

Mark truly loved children. He looked after many people in the community and was always ready to help his friends and neighbors. He touched many lives in his neighborhoods. Sharing sage wisdom and life experiences with those who took the time to ask and talk with him. He loved fishing and camping adventures, gardening in his backyard and spending time with friends and family when he could. His legacy of stories lives on in us.

Mark was preceded in death, by his second wife, Gloria; his stepdaughter Marjorie Edwards and stepson Nick Pugh; Two great-grandchildren: Terrill Jr. and U’Genique.

He is survived by his daughter, Tina L. Edwards (Leanutoto “Tui”) and his stepchildren: Shelia McDonald, Roger Pugh, James Edwards, Kenneth Pugh (Jill), Lola Johnson-Jones (Isaac), Randy Pugh (Lynn), Cynthia Nelson (Robert), Gloria Smith. Grandchildren: Florida Carroll, Mark David, Sly Whitfield, Ophelia Whitfield, Senoble Smith III, Tracy Dorsey, Chris McDonald, Corey McDonald, Angie McDonald, Marcus McDonald, Robert Pugh, Anthony Pugh, Ryan Pugh, Julie Schwaller, Randy Pugh, Dana Thorton, Phil Pugh, Nickolenia Pugh-Heaton, Katie Larsen, Athina Pugh, Jesse Pugh and Jordan Pugh. In addition, Mark is survived by a host of Great and Great-Great Grandchildren.

Special acknowledgement to Arthur ‘Willie’ Williams and his children, Sandra (aka: little Mark) and Mancho.