Mark Darnell Davis

Mark Darnell Davis, a beloved father, brother, grandfather, cousin, mentor and friend, peacefully passed away at his home on February 1, 2026, at the age of 62.

Born to the late Alfreda Davis and the late Warren Henderson, Mark graduated from Woodward High School in 1982. He proudly served in the United States Air Force beginning in 1983 and received an honorable discharge in 1985 due to an unexpected illness.

A firm believer in the life-changing power of education, Mark later returned to school as an adult student, attending Georgia Piedmont Technical College, where he proudly graduated in 2013. His commitment to learning reflected his deep faith, perseverance, and dedication to personal growth, which are values that echo the words of Frederick Douglass, whom Mark often quoted and diligently lived by.

Mark will be remembered as a man of tremendous faith and a devoted family man who deeply cherished his lifelong relationships. He truly loved traveling to spend time with those he loved most.

A man of many talents, Mark was driven by a strong desire to help others. His life was molded by the extraordinary love and generosity of those around him, and therefore, he worked tirelessly in youth counseling, personal empowerment, and education, believing God had called him to help transform the lives of those in need of a helping hand. Mark will forever be remembered for the positions he held working with at-risk youth, including serving as a Teaching Director of the St. Francis Job Training Program, where he taught essential life and work skills.

During the early 1990s, Mark served as Co-Executive Director of Teen Club at the Chapel of Christ the King in Charlotte’s Optimist Park community. Many of his students defied the odds—graduating from high school and going on to college, often as the first in their families to do so. Mark’s uncompromising high standards and no-excuses philosophy left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

In his free time, Mark loved bowling, in which he competed professionally for many years, traveling, watching The Office, and visiting the casino.

He was preceded in death by two siblings, Rahshina Davis and Troy Davis.

Mark leaves to cherish his memory his two children, Alexandria Lanee Davis and Mark Darnell Davis Jr. (Savanna); his two grandchildren, Inaya Davis and Mark Darnell Davis III; his sisters, Myra Harris (Michael), Stephanie Parker, and Tamara Corney; his uncles, William Davis(Lanice) and Rodney Davis (Karen); his extended family, the Wards (Mae Bell, Debra, and Dwight); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Mark’s grandchildren, lovingly known as “Sweet Pea” and “Little Man,” were truly the apple of his eye. Thanks to Savanna, they Face Timed their “Paw Paw” twice a day, and he treasured every single moment.

Mark’s final days were spent at his beautiful home in Knoxville, Tennessee, surrounded by friends and family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The family extends a special and heartfelt thank-you to Lu Anne Setzer. You were there for Mark from beginning to end, and your sacrifice of time, love, and care was enormous and deeply appreciated.