Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Mark Stephens Obituary
Natalie; daughters, Rachel Christine, Sarah Danielle and Hannah Elizabeth Stephens,
all of Apopka; father, David
F. Stephens and mother,
Margaret D. Stephens of Tampa; brother, Jon David Stephens (Laureen) also of Tampa. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 3PM at the First Baptist Sweetwater in Longwood with Dr. Larry
Michael officiating. Visitation for friends will be Wednesday from 1-3PM at the church. Further services will be conducted Thursday, March 8 at 11AM at the Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa with Dr. Ken Whitten officiating. Visitation for friends will be one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Trust Fund for Children, College Education, First Baptist Church Sweetwater, 3800 Wekiva Springs Road, Longwood, FL 32779. BALDWIN-FAIRCHILD FUNERAL HOME, West Altamonte Chapel. 622 W. SR 436, Altamonte Springs, FL, 32714. 407-869-6065. Please view and sign the family guest book at www.baldwinfairchild.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Stephens
Sponsored by your friends. We miss you, Mark.
David Stephens
September 23, 2007
Never a day goes by that there is not a reminder of Mark. There are continually " first times" without him, birthdays, football games, special days with Natalie, Rachel, Sarah and Hannah. A big part of our family is missing. We miss him so.
Mom & Dad
Lauri Marvin ( Mckinney)
April 6, 2007
Rachel, Hannah, Sarah, and Mrs. Natalie, My deepest sympathy goes out to you guys,you are a great family, and Br. Mark will be dearly missed..he was the best pastor I ever had. He was condidering and caring, and I always wished he could have done my wedding as wonderfully as he did My aunt and Uncle Jimmy and Jessica Mckinney..but he is missed
Love,
Kerry & Jeff Odell
April 3, 2007
To the Stephens Family:
I met Brother Mark, Natalie, Rachel, Sarah and Hannah during his pastorship at Lockhart Baptist Church. I don't have to tell you what a wonderful servant of God he was...you who were closest to him already know. I can tell you that his teaching and presence had a lasting impact upon my heart and life. Ben, Jeff and I grew to love him as our pastor and as our brother in Christ. Our prayers are with you in this time of profound grief.
April 1, 2007
April 1, 2007
April 1, 2007
Ken Brogan
March 26, 2007
Natalie and family, My deepest sympathies to your family. You probably do not know me because the last time I seen Mark was when he and I were participants in Grant Bowlus' wedding nearly 20 years ago. He will be missed.
Dave Darden
March 12, 2007
Dave & Margaret,
I never knew your son Mark, but I was deeply touched by reading these guest book entries about him. Just four months ago, my wife and I lost our healthy newborn son, and I personally have been comforted and encouraged by the words that Mark's friends have written to comfort and encourage you.
May the LORD Jesus continue to give you strength to make it through each day.
"Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." 2 Samuel 12:23b
Joe & Audrey (Jones), Emily, Hannah and Ashley Phillips
March 10, 2007
To Natalie and the Girls, Mr. and Mrs. Stevens and Jon,
We are so very sorry for you in the loss of Mark - you are in our prayers. We are grateful that he is safe in our Heavenly Father's arms and that we will not be separated forever. It has been such a blessing to see how God has used Mark and his family to bring others to Christ. Well done, Mark, you have been a good and faithful servant.
Leon and H L Stephens
March 10, 2007
..The Bible says "absent from the body,present with the Lord".It gives me comfort to know that when Mark closed his eyes here for the last time... he was in the arms of Jesus. Mark had big feet and a big heart... and a love for his family that was consistent throughout his life. His greatest love was for the Lord. God's faithfulness and wisdom is beyond question. His faithfulness will continue and towards Natalie,Rachel,Sarah and Hannah as they go forward with their lives. To David,Margaret and Jon... Mark had the best Dad,Mom and brother of anyone I know of. May God bless and comfort each one of you.
March 10, 2007
Just Mark
March 10, 2007
Preaching at Baptist College of Florida
March 10, 2007
Todd, Angela, and Dylan Adamson
March 10, 2007
Dear Stephens Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. I was in such shock when I got the call from Laureen to hear that Mark had past away. I just kept saying to myself how is this possible. I know that we don't always understand why things happen, but what I do know is that Mark now lies in the arms of the Lord. He is at a peace now that none of us could even fathom. I pray the Lord's blessing on each one of you and always know that God Almighty is walking through this tough time with you. You will never be alone.
Stacey Sakezles
March 9, 2007
We all remember Mark from the youth days at Lake Carroll; memories which bring a smile to my face. I cannot utter any words that would ease the feeling of loss that you all feel; but I will say, I firmly believe that his passing from this stage of life to the next, that this event specifically, will bring some to know Christ as Savior, and others, such as myself, to a point of re-reckoning. He was not a very long time on this earth, but the impact that I can see he has made in that time is priceless. I want to be able to make such a difference. We are all family in Christ, and I mourn our loss and rejoice Mark's gain with you. All my love.
Laureen Stephens
March 9, 2007
Natalie and girls, David, Margaret and my dear husband, Jon....
I sit here wondering what words to type at a time like this. As tears continue to form, and will for many days to come from my own sorrow, I also realize the joy Mark must be feeling right now, which also brings a smile to my face. I know he's seeking out all of his heroes in Heaven that he spoke of so dearly to shake their hands and hug their necks. I'm sure he also has a long list of questions for Jesus that he's already been asking in order to get the answers he's been pondering on and wondering about all these years.
While many knew Mark as the preacher, teacher and leader, I knew him as just "Mark", my brother in law. Five years ago, all of you welcomed me and my two girls into your family with open arms. For that, I am forever grateful. David and Margaret, you have shown me grace beyond measure during this time. Thank you for being such an example. I see exactly where Mark learned how to be a Godly man from, and the reason for his tender soul...it was from you. Natalie..I'm in awe of your strength. You have taught me more this week then you will ever know. You are my hero. To my nieces..you three are beautiful and have so much love. Embrace that by loving each other and supporting your mom. I love you three very much.
My dear husband.. I have seen you weep this week over the loss of your friend. I am so proud of you on how you have loved on your family and for voicing your desire to continue Mark's legacy. I know that Mark is proud of you too, and I'm sure he's in Heaven, (with his orange and blue UF National championship Tshirt on) cheering you on Jon to carry the baton that he has passed on to you. Run the race, babe...and know I'm here 110% supporting and cheering you on too.
I love you all and know that I am here for you for anything you need. Mark will be truly missed but what a joy that this is only a season...we will see him again.
With all my love...
Melody Ringenberg
March 9, 2007
Natalie & girls -
Shock! Then disbelief! Denial - "Not Mark, healthy Mark who rode long distances on his bike!" It just couldn't be as I received the word while on vacation. Mark's in our SS class...he was there on Sunday. Rachael is Joel's age. You and he are younger than we are -- and similar thoughts. Those led to "Why God?" "Why Mark?" Why take Mark now when he was in the midst of his ministry?" I don't have a clue. My ways aren't God's ways and my thoughts aren't His. Faith means asking the hard questions but relying on God because He ultimately knows best. It's hard. It'll continue to be hard when the shock wears off. I've been praying what seems like around the clock for you and the girls since I found out Monday morning about Mark's sudden death. I couldn't be at the funeral, but I was praying during that time for you and your family. Know that we care. Know that we'll help you in any way. Know that we'll continue to pray for strength and comfort for you from the Lord during your grieving. We miss Mark's smile and quick wit already.
Rae & Melody, Nathan & Joel Ringenberg
Kelley (Hayes) Caporice
March 9, 2007
Dear Stephens Family:
I was saddened to hear of Mark's passing. My memories of Mark are from the Youth group and choirs at Lake Carroll Baptist Church in Tampa. He was blessed with humor, talent and a heart full of love. Although we mourn the loss of loved ones here on earth, may you find peace in the knowledge that Mark is with God, watching over his family, and waiting until you all are reunited in Heaven. We will continue to keep each of you in our prayers.
J.W. and Gloria Hunnicutt
March 8, 2007
David & Margaret, may the glow of God's love light your way, and may the warmth of His embrace give you peace and comfort.
Rayma Marquiss (Reder)
March 8, 2007
Stephens Family:
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Mark as the young brother of Jon during the times I attended Lake Carroll Baptist. I also have fond memories of you, Mr. & Mrs. Stephens. I'm sure he has blessed hundreds these past years while working for God. I know we never understand why these things happen but we can show others how God is there for us. God Bless!
Catherine (Jones) Williams
March 7, 2007
David, Margaret, Jon, Natalie and girls;
Please know that we are lifting you up in prayer during your time of sorrow. Mark was certainly a wonderful, Godly man. I knew him at Lake Carroll when he was just a kid! Words cannot express the shock and sadness, but one day, we will know why Jesus wanted him to come home on March 4. Until then we just trust in God's sovereignty. God bless all of you.
Randy and Brenda (Frisco) Funderburke
March 7, 2007
I'm at such a loss at the hearing tonight of Mark's homegoing. Mark was a part of our College & Career Sunday School department at Lake Carroll some 20 years ago. I was reacquainted with him a few years ago when he filled in for our pastor for six weeks at West Bradenton Baptist. He was loved by all who heard him and we were so looking forward to this coming Easter when he was scheduled to speak again. I could hardly believe it was the same Mark from when I knew him as a high schooler and college freshman. When God gets a hold of you, He can do mighty things! To discover all the success that Mark had enjoyed as a husband, a father and in his career was evident of God's hand on his life.
We take comfort in knowing that instead of preaching to us next month about Easter, he'll be living with the risen Savior for eternity! And we also take comfort in knowing that all whom Mark loved and cherished will be comforted and protected by the loving hands of God from now until we gather again in Heaven.
Our prayers are yours. We love you.
Randy and Brenda Funderburke
Bradenton, FL.
Steve and Carol Burton
March 7, 2007
Natalie and girls,
What a blessing it was to be under Bro. Mark's teaching during his pastorship at Lockhart. His heart was to share himself with all who would receive. We cannot understand why God has chosen now to take him home but He assures us that there is a plan. We want to extend our sympathies to you and let you know that we are praying for your comfort and strength.
Steve and Carol Burton (formerly Carol Willis)
Sandy Dunham
March 7, 2007
Why? Why so sudden? Why Mark?
Why we ask such selfish questions?
Mark such a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, pastor, friend and mentor. Whom always had a warm smile and joke to keep us all laughing, to know now that he is smiling down upon us. Mark was called home and I'm sure entered with a warm smile.
Aunt Margaret and Uncle David, you have been like parents to me, I love you and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Natalie and the girls, stay strong and and look to the Lord for strength.
We ask Why? We should not ask, but be ready...
Marian Gray
March 7, 2007
Mark Daniel Stephens: a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. Our family are deeply saddened by Mark's passing.
Mark has been called home, a child of the King, walking the streets of gold. To Natalie and girls our thoughts and prayers are with you all. To my sister and best friend Margaret, how I wish I could take the heartache and grief away. Look to the Lord for strength as he is our rock. God took home a great one. We love you all and will deeply miss Mark.
With all of our love and prayers,
Aunt Marian & Uncle Howard
Lynn and Velma Brown
March 7, 2007
We have you in our prayers and know that the Lord is there to comfort you and your family. Our hearts go out to you.
Stan Hayes, Jr. (& family)
March 7, 2007
Stephens family: The news of Marks' passing is shocking and sad. Mark and I were like brothers during our boyhoods and teenage years at Lake Carroll Baptist. He was a true friend. Although we lost touch over the years, the memory of his friendship will always be fond. It is heartening to know he continued in Gods work and that he now sits at the right hand of his Master in heaven. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
Manny Keyser
March 7, 2007
Mark was a special person filling all who knew him with encouragement and humor. He will be missed!
Stephen Joseph
March 7, 2007
Dave, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your Son. You and your family are in our daily prayers.
Cliff & Selena Long
March 7, 2007
May God bless all of you in the Stephens family as you walk through this loss. (Revelation 7:17)
A Friend
March 7, 2007
I've known Mark for less than a year and a half, and even before starting my first class... He became a friend. In Mark's life, to be a "friend" walking with people to bring them closer to Christ was most important; then, professor, director, doctor, and preacher, etc. were just "titles" he carried. Not to discredit any of those titles, but the cliche "people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care" comes to mind. He has been a powerful influence in my life and the lives of all of his students, and I pray that he will continue to be forever.
If he had a chance to return to earth, to his wife (to be her companion), to his children (with no father to tell them he loves them at the time when they need it most), to the seminary (he was so excited and dedicated that Orlando is becoming a hub); I think he'd turn all of it down given the opportunity he now has to be with Jesus and the other saints that have preceeded him there. And, his decision would not in the least bit be selfish, because it's not about us.
It's hard to understand God at times like this, why Mark (four years younger than me, in much better physical shape, impacting many lives, so excited about the future), why his wife (now a widow), why his daughters (who he won't be able to walk down the isle). All we know is that on Sunday night, God didn't get a phone call and say, "Wow, who just died! I had no idea, what am I going to do now?" This was no surprise for Him, we're just way too close to the tapestry God is weaving to see the beautiful pattern. We simply have to rest in knowing that He is sovereign, and His plan will prevail.
As one of the other students said on Monday, "The reason it's so hard to say goodbye is because we were never designed to do so."
Natalie, Rachel, Sarah, and Hannah, I've never personally met you, but Mark talked about you all the time with us. You have a GREAT father (husband), my prayers are with you.
Mark, Looking forward to seeing you again, keep everyone laughing until then!
Maria and Manuel Cid
March 7, 2007
I am very sorry He was very special to my family we are praying for you all with deeply love
Bryan & Cindy Rambaran
March 7, 2007
Dear Natalie, Rachel, Sarah, Hannah & family,
I would like to offer my deepest sympathy for your loss. Dr. Mark Stephens was a great man and I am honored to have studied under him. Mark was my professor for three semesters and I have gained a wealth of insight and knowledge from him. Rachel, Sarah, and Hannah your father always spoke of you it seemed that you and your mother were the joy of his life, I have never met a more proud father. Natalie hang in there Mark is with Jesus now, be strong (Jeremiah 29:11). When someone passes away no matter who they were people try to find something good to say whether true or not. I can say with great confidence that Mark was a great man and was a Christ-like example to all he came into contact with. He is with Jesus now!
May God bless you all!
David Stephens
March 7, 2007
Natalie, Rachel, Sarah & Hannah
Our hearts are broken.
Mark: husband, father, son, brother, uncle,friend, teacher and most important a Child of THE King. It is so difficult to grasp and deal with this sudden loss.
Please know that our arms of love for you have no bounds.
Mark will be missed greatly.
Love, Mom & Dad
Nell Lewis
March 6, 2007
Natalie,
It wasn't so long ago that you were in the Sunday School class that I was blessed to teach..although, I learned more from you and the girls than you ever could have from me. You were and are such a Godly girl.
I can hardly believe all that you are going through right now.
Just know in the deepest part of your heart that I am thinking of you and praying for you and loving you more that you could ever imagine. I would love to see you and your precious daughters one day in the near future.
I love you, Natalie, forever!
Judy Polhamus
March 6, 2007
Natalie and girls, you are in my prayers. Mark was an inspiration to me and my family when he spoke at my father's funeral in Jan. 2006. We loved him at Killarney when he was the interim pastor and will never forget his funny stories. He is sitting at the feet of Jesus now.
Norman Nesmith
March 6, 2007
Natalie - No amount of words can begin to express how sad I am to hear of Mark's passing. I valued his friendship so much and always looked forward to being with him. Please know that Terri & I will always be available to help you and your girls in any way you need help. I look forward to seeing him again in heaven when we walk on streets of pure gold with our Lord and Master. There will be no more death or sorrow there and time will be no more. We love you Mark
Debbie Burdick
March 6, 2007
Natalie and Girls,
We are praying for you all! We love you, and are here for you!
Wayne,Debbie,, Grayson, WIll, and Annalynn Burdick
Lloyd & Susan Jones
March 6, 2007
Stephens Family,
All of us who knew Mark have suffered a tragic loss. Our hearts are broken to know how much he will be missed. We have known Mark since 1976. He was 10 when Lloyd came to Pastor Lake Carroll and when we left he was 20. The Stephens Family has always been very special to us. Mark was a very special young man gifted by God for ministry. Our congregation at North Central always loved when Mark came to speak or lead a retreat...Our hearts and prayers are constantly with you.
Florence Larson
March 6, 2007
Dear Natalie and girls and family,
It was a joy to work with Br. Mark at Lockhart Baptist church. You all are special to me and Br. Mark will be sadly missed. God bless you with His peace.
Love, Florence Larson
Doug & Gail Fillmon
March 6, 2007
Natalie,
Girls, & Stephens family... We share in your loss, grief & shock at
Mark's passing. When he served as Interim Pastor @ Killarney Baptist,
we looked so forward to his messages and sermons...always such a great
teacher-preacher, but with plenty of humor and quick-wit thrown in !!
He was such an inspiration to us, and at a time when our Church really needed him... and we will miss him as well....truly a
real Man of God.
We lift you'all up for an extra measure of God's Grace @ this time....
May U find comfort in His nearness...
Ben Kimmell
March 6, 2007
My prayers are with you in this time of unspeakable loss and grief. May the Lord sustain you and strengthen you. May His peace be upon you all.
Karen Bell
March 6, 2007
Dear Sarah and Family,
Please accept my sympathy, my prayers, and my love.
Karen Bell
The Armel Family
March 6, 2007
Dear Natalie, Rachel, Sarah, Hannah
We send our love and prayers during this difficult time. As you grieve the loss of your husband and father, let your Heavenly Father carry you through.
Gail Brown
March 6, 2007
Mark's smile will always be in my mind. Never a day went by at work(FBC/O)he was not smiling. His heart was as big as his smile. He was loved by all who knew him and will be remembered for walking his talk. What a wonderful example he was. Absent from the body, present with our Lord, is our friend, Mark Stephens.
Jim & Jean McKinney
March 6, 2007
We are so sorry for the loss of Bro. Mark. He gave so much of himself to so many people. His life on earth has ended but it has only just begun with the Lord.
Jay Monroe
March 6, 2007
Dr. Stephens was a loving man. He was very helpful when I was trying to start seminary classes, and an amazing teacher. I will always be thankful for the time that I knew him and the things he taught me. My prayers are with you and the girls.
Dorothy & Ralph Fraser
March 6, 2007
We are so sorry to hear about your loss of Bro. Mark. Our prayers are with you and and the family.
Jesse Pearson
March 6, 2007
Dear Natalie and girls,
I am deeply grieved at Mark's loss. I considered him a mentor, a student pastor, a wonderful man of God and Christian example, but most of all he was one of my best friends. We will all miss him greatly. My family's prayers and my church's prayers go out to you all.
Marcus White
March 6, 2007
I was so sorry to hear about this loss of very good man. I had the priveledge of knowing him for a short time during my few classes at the seminary. I am praying for the family.
anonymous
March 6, 2007
You believed in me and saw something in me not many saw. You encouraged me to go back to school and serve the Lord. You told me ministry was tough and its not always pretty but God is there in the midst of it all the time and its worth it. You were a mentor and a friend, a real gem of a guy. I dont think you realize just how many lives you touched and influenced. God took home a great one. May the girls always remember that their father was a wonderful, godly man and that he spoke of his family quite often at how proud he was of them. He alway spoke of how wonderful Natalie was as a wife, how patient and understanding she was of his work and schedule. May they always look to the Lord for strength as he is their rock and fortress.
Beverly Winship
March 6, 2007
Dear Natalie, Rachel, Sarah, Hannah & family,
We are so saddened by Mark's untimely death. We loved him and you all very much. Please know that you all made a wonderful impact on our lives. Gene and I almost felt like "grandparents" to you three girls and will always hold you dear to our hearts. God bless you. We are here if you need us.
Gene & Bev Winship xoxo
Matt Armstrong
March 6, 2007
To Natalie and the girls,
My thoughts and prayers will always be with you.
Manuel Cid
March 6, 2007
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Wendy Reynolds (Baxter family)
March 6, 2007
I was so heartbroken to hear of Dr. Stephens passing. He spoke at my grandfather's funeral, and inspired me to attend Killary Baptist Church while he was interim pastor. He is truly a wonderful man and will be deeply missed by many. My prayers are with his family and loved ones.
Don, Donna & Hallie Morris
March 6, 2007
Natalie, Rachel, Sarah & Hannah;
The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
We thank God for having known Mark and been under his teaching both at Church and in Seminary. Our hearts are truly heavy for those left behind and yet we rejoice with Mark for he is in the presence of our God.
John Long
March 6, 2007
Dear Natalie and girls,
Please know many of us loved Mark and will miss him too. I know he loved you very much and spoke often of you. He will leave a big hole in many hearts, but not as big as the hole he leaves in yours. There are no words of comfort only a Comforter that will be with you. I pray God will be very near and keep His promise to walk with you even through the valley of the shadow of death.
Diane Jackson
March 6, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The Stephen's family has always been kind and loving to me. They helped me and my siblings through a very difficult time in our lives. They welcomed us into their home and opened their hearts to us. Mark's friendship during our teenage years at Lake Carroll meant so much to me. His humor and smile will not be forgotten. I missed out knowing him as an adult, pastor, father and husband but have kept up with him over the years through his family. I know that you will miss him greatly. I take comfort as I know that you do that Mark is now with our Heavenly Father and free. I will be praying you through this time. May you find rest under the shadow of His wings. Sincerely,
Showing 1 - 58 of 58 results
Make a Donation
in Mark Stephens's name
Memorial Events
for Mark Stephens
How to support Mark's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mark Stephens's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
