Clarence “Peter” Marks
On June 30, 1929, Brother Clarence “Peter” Marks began his life journey. He was born the youngest of five children to Oliver Marks, Sr. and Birdie Spiller Marks in Detroit, Mich. He died August 7, 2014.
It was the divine will of God that all his siblings would precede him in death, but God allowed a lifelong bond between him and his brother, the late Oliver “Mike” Marks, Jr.
Brother Marks’ journey brought him from Detroit to Shady Dale, where he was raised by his grandmother Ionie Marks. It was at Carrie H. Taylor School in Shady Dale that he was educated until fifth grade.
At age 12, two new paths were charted. He transitioned from school to work. With a stern work ethic, he refused to be idle. He began sharecropping, transitioned to farming, then butchering meat, dairy farming, and poultry farming. Ultimately, he was employed and retired from Georgia Pacific Corporation after 23 years of service.
The second path was his decision to make Jesus Christ the Savior and Lord of his life. The new relationship was found and matured at Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Shady Dale. He was a faithful soldier until his death. While able and active, he served on the Usher Board, Trustee Board, Treasurer of the Church, and on the Steward Board. In this journey of life, Brother “Peter” (as he was affectionately called by so many people), always sought improvement.
He worked to improve life for his family; he served to improve ministry at his church, and he volunteered to improve his community. He was a charter member of the Bonner Street Civic Club, a volunteer in the Jasper County School’s Mentor Program, member of the Citizen’s Improvement League, Voters League and the Bright and Morning Star Lodge.
Brother Marks never complained about life….he simply took the bitter lemons and made lemonade. His sense of humor and love of laughter carried him through on the journey. He was gifted with the ability to garden and loved to fish and hunt.
On September 17, 1950, the journey continued as God united him in matrimony to the love of his life, Fannie L. Hill. This union was abundantly blessed with 10 children, five boys and five girls (of which two boys—Charles James and Harold Lee Marks are deceased). For 63 years he loved his wife and was devoted to her needs and desires.
He will forever be cherished by his loving wife, Fannie L. Marks; children, Willie C. Marks of Monticello Rev. Clifford Marks of Augusta, Michael Marks (Pamela) of Fayetteville, N.C., Leila Williams (Paul) of Milledgeville, Minnie P. Carter of Monticello, Linda M. Braswell (Clayton) of Covington, Josephine M. Jones (Orlando) of Monticello, and Shirley V.A. Allen of Covington.
His journey continues through his grandchildren—Anthony Carter, Deon Hammond (deceased), Rev. Phillip D. Marks, Sr. (Tenae), Antonio Williams, Derek Williams, Dewayne Carter, Jorriane Marks (Dominique), Wesley Allen, Montrel Marks, Evangelist Wanda Lackey (Robert), Tiffany Hill (Johnny), Angela Marks, Alicia Marks, Candice Williams (Quinton), and Josalyn Allen; 17 great-grandchildren: one deceased great-grandchild (Joshua); three great-great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins.
Services were held Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Shady Dale. Rev. Phillip D. Marks, Sr., was to officiate.
Smith & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.