Christopher "Mark" Burt

The soul of Christopher “Mark” Burt left his physical body to join with his Creator on July 14, 2022. Left to grieve his loss are his mother, Jo Linn Whitsell Burt; his sister, Jessica Lynn Burt Jayroe; his nephews, Daniel Jayroe and Jack Jayroe; his aunt, Janet Whitsell; his uncle, Jon Whitsell; and his cousin, Mira Angel-Hernandez. Also, mourning his loss are numerous cousins, students, and friends.

Mark was born at Barksdale Air Force Base Hospital on April 19, 1974, to Jo Linn Whitsell Burt and Earl Daniel “Dan” Burt, Jr. The Air Force sent the family to Merced, California, where Mark’s sister, Jessica Lynn Burt was born. The family moved to Denham Springs, Louisiana for Dan to attend Law school at LSU in Baton Rouge. While his dad attended law school, Mark spent summers with his granddad, W. R. Whitsell, Jr. in Pampa, Texas to experience riding in the Rodeo Parade, changing flat tires, and baling hay. His grandmother Elaine Whitsell arranged for him to also attend art lessons. In 1982 the family moved to Haughton and Dan began practicing law in Shreveport.

As a child, Mark was encouraged by his mother to explore his interest in art. Although he struggled academically, he found solace in drawing and painting. After graduating from Airline High School, he attended Northwestern in Natchitoches and graduated with a degree in Fine Art from Texas A & M in Commerce, where he was influenced and encouraged by his professor, Lee Baxter Davis. After graduation, he worked at the Shreveport Times as a graphic designer. He was profoundly impacted by the sudden loss of his father in 2003. In 2007 his work was shown at the Clementine Gallery in New York City along with other Lee Baxter Davis inspired “Lizard Cult” artists. After leaving the Times, he worked diligently on a portfolio of drawings resulting in an art show at the Bossier Arts Council. His work is represented by the gallery Ro2 Art, 1501 S. Ervay Street, Dallas, Texas. In 2014 he was employed as a Talented Arts Instructor in Bossier Parish Schools. He said it was the best job he ever had.

He loved working with students. He said they inspired him. Many of his students won awards for their work when they participated in art contests and community shows. He was always so proud of the work of his students. Mark recognized talent and creativity in children who were often written off by others. He was a great encourager. He had so much compassion for children who were outsiders and bullied. He never allowed bullying in his classroom and adjusted student schedules so that student encouragers were seated near vulnerable students.

Visitation will be at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church at 900 Jordan Street in Shreveport, LA on Thursday, July 21, 2022, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Mark's honor to the Bossier Parish Schools Talented Arts Program payable through paypal.com/paypalme/BossierTAP or contact Debbie Gegg at [email protected]. You can also donate by check made payable to Bossier Parish Talented Arts Program, Attn: Scholarship Program, 2900 Douglas Dr., Bossier City, LA 71111.