In Memoriam

Mark. Is. Always. Up to something! Right? He was born that way. On Tuesday, September 1, 1970, Mark Darnell Wallace knocked on his mama’s belly, ready to come into the world. Just two and a half hours later, Mark was born at Hutzel Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and he became the second son of Brenda Edmond s Wallace and Raymond Wallace. Of course, in those days, no one knew what they were having until their baby came to tell it. So, Brenda’s cousin, Sampson Mans said, “Hey Cuz, if it’s a boy, why don’t you name him Mark?” And so it was. He became Our Mark.

Almost four years later, Mark and his brother, Tony (also known as Number One in the family), were blessed with a little sister to torture, and teach. It took years for Tammie to infiltrate the brotherhood, sort of, it happened after the too-soon loss of Brenda and Dennis’ sister, Beverley. Before transitioning, she whispered to Mark, “please watch over my only son,” And he did, well. The 15-year-old, Devin, made three siblings four. The tragedy made instant bonds necessary and family foundation made them seamless.

Mark was educated in several schools in the Detroit area, starting with Gesu Catholic School, where five- and six-year-old Mark and Tony traveled together, somehow getting separated on the first day of school with Tony on the city bus, Mark on the school bus, and Brenda losing her mind. Mark spent a quick blip in Southfield at Thompson Middle School (he was no good in public school), and he graduated from the Univerity of Detroit Jesuit High School in 1988.

During his K-12 education, Mark was a celebrated athlete on the football field, His drive to achieve resulted in several academic and football college scholarship offers. He landed at the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, in 1992. Of the many things Mark did and accomplished there, his initiation into the Delta Eta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity in 1989 – the baby of the line – was way at the top. Much love to Rashid, Britt, Sid, Tyron, Harlan, Fordie, Stan, and Tom. Though you are now all 8, he’s not forever your 8. Mark concluded his education at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, graduating with a Juris Doctorate in Law.

From Tony & Bennett’s time at Howard to being Tammie’s roomie in her last two years at Howard, to co-conspiring with Tam to get Devin at Howard, Mark loved Washington, D.C.  He was an eternal entrepreneur and later settled in D.C., permanently, to pursue a career in the I.T. Business. If you had to sum Mark up in one word it would be “Giver.” When there was a need he would do anything in his power to satisfy it – or he would find a way to power up. For Mark, the simple act of giving was a joy. Being able to give was what made him pursue his goals so fiercely.

Mark loved to travel, socialize with friends, read self-improvement and Blackity Black books, watch football and perfect the Thanksgiving turkey with Tony, find new, scientific ways to grill or smoke the best cuts of meat with Dev and Tony, tease Lonna about wasting food and being short, and immaculate conception. Mark loved his Uncle Denny and relied on him with every fiber of who he was, Mark was a family guy.

Mark would recommend the “you gotta try this” spots to everybody for food, health, and entertainment, and go obnoxiously long joke riffs with whoever could keep step. Whether it was thigh surfing with baby Asha, calling Anwar “Anweezie,” or doing the Gummy BEar dance with Dylan and Drew, Mark loved his nieces and nephew. Mark LOVED his mama. BLEW was his entire heart and of all the reasons he wanted the world, it was to give it to her.

Mark also loved the ladies.

He sent a message to us to say that he loved deeply, every time he loved. He was easy and he was tough, but he always intended well. Through all the triumphs and regrets, it was real. Know that. Plus, this is the only place he can get away with saying this in public to all his eras of honey without anybody being able to say anything. Mark didn’t miss opportunities.

He was known for engaging in nimble political debate, wearing a college hoodie unique and some one-of-a-kind Adidas or breaking down football stats in a bespoke 2-piece and some Ferragamo’s. Mark always made a statement. So, what is he saying now to us as we grieve deeply and yearn for one more laugh?

I rushed into this world. and rushed through it, because my spirit knew I would be rushing out. But, I’m good. I’m good.

Mark leaves to cherish his memory, his mother Brenda L. Travis (John); his father. Raymond L. Wallace, his two brothers, Anthony D. Wallace and Devin C. Edmonds (Lonna); sister Tammie Wallace, three nieces, and one nephew, Asha and Anwar Green, Dylan and Drew Edmonds. His dear Uncle Dennis Edmonds; His children Brandy, Crystal, Dennis II, and their children; also many cousins, fraternity brothers, family, and friends.