Mark Sheppard Edwards, born February 15, 1955, in Saint Augustine, Florida, was the fourth child born to Madelyn and MacDonald Edwards. Shortly after his birth, the family moved north during the Great Migration to Boston, where the Edwards family grew to include six children: Mac, Madelyn, Michael, Mark, Mercie, and Mitchell.

From humble beginnings in Roxbury, Mark climbed to exceptional heights in a career spanning several sectors. Educated in the Boston Public Schools, he was recruited out of high school to work at MIT's Draper Labs as a draftsman, spending his early years contributing to defense technology. He was self-educated and curious, immersing himself in the Scriptures, philosophy, communications, history, group dynamics, psychology, business, marketing, and cooking.

Mark's professional career blossomed as he moved into the technology sector, where his marketable gifts proved valuable to early tech giants, including Apollo Computers, Compaq, Digital, and HP. His work took him to six continents, where he built lasting professional relationships and friendships around the globe. He eventually secured a position as a Senior Analyst Relations professional at Deloitte, where he worked for 19 years. Mark retired just a year ago, and his passing comes far too soon, before he could fully enjoy the retirement he had earned.

Mark was a kind and gentle man, a spiritual and intelligent soul who found peace in solitude. He was an active member of Twelfth Baptist Church, joining the choir and weekly bible study, and where he met and married Laura.  He eventually joined the ministry of Rev. Benjamin Abrahams and served for many years as associate minister at Mansfield United Methodist Church and Weston Baptist Church.

He loved his home and his garden, and cherished his pets who have transitioned—Kizzy, Buttons, Rumi, and KittyBoy—and those who are left to mourn, Ziggy and Alicat. A foodie at heart, he loved to cook and bake. If asked, he'd say pizza was his favorite thing to make, but it didn't end there—you name it, he could cook it. Members of his wife's book group loved it when she hosted meetings because they were assured an outstanding meal, and when spouses attended the annual group meeting, Mark was voted the favorite moderator. He had a flair for hospitality, food, and wine, and loved all types of movies and music, especially gospel and jazz.

Mark is survived by his wife of 29 years, Laura Palmer Edwards; his siblings Madelyn Edwards of Atlanta, GA, Michael Edwards of Boston, Mercie Edwards (Pat) of Mansfield, and Mitchell Edwards (Yolanda) of Boston; and close-knit cousins Lynda Hester, Matthew Hester, Kelli Davis, Danielle, Gabrielle, and Eva; his nieces Michelle Simon, Monet Greene Edwards, and Moniqua Edwards; his great-nephews Morgan and Kyle; and many other beloved family members and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Madelyn and MacDonald Edwards, and his eldest brother, Mac Edwards.

A repast to follow  at

Girard Apartments, 50 West Malden Street, #116 Boston, MA, from 1:00–3:00 PM.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society and World Central Kitchen.