Mark Wayne Garrett, the fourth and youngest child born to Lethaniel and Bernice Garrett, entered this world on May 15, 1963. He was an alumnus of Brainerd High School, class of 1981, and graduate of Clark-Atlanta University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. He received a diploma of Theology from International Seminary. He was a member of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc and Christians Against Sinful Things (CAST).
If you ever met Mark, you already know that he loved God and God’s people, cherished and provided for his family, and was a true gentleman whenever and wherever you saw him. That’s all that he would want to be said about him, because he was such a humble man and never sought accolades. However, we’d be remiss to not honor him for his labor of love.
Mark was raised, saved, baptized, discipled, licensed and ordained at Greater Tucker Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities, including Youth Pastor and Awana leader.
In 2012, God led Mark to start a new ministry. In March of that year, he founded Christ Community Church. Initially, worship services were held at Avondale Community Center, where one of his deacons, Gerald Perry, serves as the center director. Later, he led his congregation to its current location on New York Avenue. During his years of ministry, he led many precious souls to Christ. There, he also licensed and ordained his nephew, Corey Garrett, into the ministry.
LOVE: Mark had a heart for loving people and helping those in need, as evidenced by his work in the community, ~ feeding, clothing, encouraging, transporting, teaching, correcting…… the list goes on. (Proverbs 19:17, James 2:14 – 16)
FAITH: What remarkable faith Mark exhibited!!! He faced off with cancer in the likeness of David fighting Goliath. He was assured of his victory! His death does not indicate defeat. To the contrary, Mark won the battle and has now received his crown that God promised to all those who fight the good fight. (I Timothy 4:6 – 8).
STRENGTH: What unfathomable strength Mark demonstrated when he stood boldly and eulogized his sister, mother, granddaughter, and daughter. That is a true testament to his belief in God’s promises. (Nehemiah 8:10)
Mark served in the restaurant industry for over 30 years, through which he created opportunities for many individuals seeking employment to provide for themselves and families. He approached work with the same passion and commitment that he had for everything in life. He was dedicated to making sure that people who worked for him were respected, treated fairly, and learned the value of a good work ethic.
It’s important to know that Mark lived a balanced life. He worked hard and he played hard. He loved tennis, football (go Titans!), family reunions, late night movies with Maya and Mariah, often leaving Cynthia in bed asleep. He enjoyed TV from football to HGTV.
Mark is now reunited with those who left this earthly life before him ~ his most sweet-spirited mother, Bernice Garrett; beautiful daughter, Candace Garrett; precious granddaughter, Zye’ Tiana Thomas; beloved sister, Beverly Lovinggood; brother-in-love Richard Lovinggood, father-in-love, Sammie Dunn; sister-in-love, Gwendolyn Dunn.
Those left to share and cherish the love that Mark passionately preached about are his soulmate and faithful wife of 33 years, Cynthia Garrett; two amazing daughters, Maya Garrett of Chattanooga and Mariah Garrett of Nashville, TN; his centenarian father, Lethaniel Garrett; delightful grandchildren, Jermaine Thomas, Jermarkis Thomas, Kaylei Minor, Kamayra Fallins, twins Carly Fallins and Carlos Fallins, Jr; devoted brothers, Cary (Gabriela) Garrett and David (Pam) Garrett; mother-in-love, Ruth Dunn, sisters-in-love, Audrey (Wayne) McMillan, of Old Hickory, TN and Shaundra (Scott) Visor of Roswell, GA; nieces, Brucenia Shawn McKeldin, Dr. Latasha (Eric) Garrett-Seebach, Myeisha Garrett; nephews Christopher Wayne (Sheila) McKeldin, Rev. Corey (Tandra) Garrett, David (Andrew) Garrett, Jr., Joshua Carter, Myles McMillan, Wesley Visor, Jaxson Visor; goddaughter, sweet little Hope Jones; aunts, uncles, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Lastly, his 80 pounds lap dog, Bishop.
Public viewing will be from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9, at the funeral home. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, at Greater Tucker Baptist Church, 1115 North Moore Road.
Interment will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.