Reflections of His Life...

"Grieve not nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as though I were beside you all.  I love you so because it as Heaven here with you."

Mark Brian Gravenhise, affectionately known as Uncle Bizz, Beezo and Brother Marcos, was born on June 11, 1967 in Brooklyn, New York to the late Lawrence Gravenhise of Brooklyn, New York and the late Yvonne Elder Gravenhise of Charlotte, North Carolina.  He departed this life on Resurrection Sunday, April 21, 2019, in the comfort of his family home in Charlotte, NC.  He was 51. Marks' passing was an unexpected tragedy.

As a kid, there is no other way to describe Mark other than B.A.D.  He was a mischievous little boy-he hated vegetables, even had to be bribed to eat them but he LOVED sweets.  At his childhood home, his mom put cookies on top of the refrigerator.  Mark decided to pull the kids table in front of the fridge, put the chair on top of the table, climbed up and pulled the cookies down.  When asked if he ate any of the cookies, with a mouth full of crumbs, he shook his head and said "NO!"

At a young age, Mark developed a strong work ethic, as he started working a paper route in Brooklyn, New York.  He always worked with the greatest sense of urgency.  From a young age, Mark was a lover of all sports.  He loved basketball and adored baseball.  There was no question he  couldn't answer about any sport, especially baseball and The New York Yankees.  He was a sports historian!  He often shocked his brother Mike and close friends when it came to sports trivia.  When watching the sports portion of Jeopardy, he could answer every question!  To this day, Mark was passionate about his New York Yankees, Lebron James, the New York Giants and would argue you down about any statistic or player.

Mark was know for being passionate about everything he touched and everyone he loved (maybe it's the Gemini in him), including family, food, an work.  He gave everything he did 100%.  He made an impact on every life he touched.  He had a way of making you feel like you were his favorite and that your bond was unique from everyone else.  There was never an unkind work spoken about him.  Mark was a straight up person; he would always tell you what was on his mind.  If you knew him, you knew that he was a genuine of a person as they come.  He was an old soul with old school values and morals but he had a way of staying in tune with the younger generation.  He was the brother and uncle that every young adult needed in their life.  He had a beautiful larger than life personality and sense of humor.  He was the LIFE OF THE PARTY! At age 51, Mark lived for working hard and spending time with his family.  He loved to come home to visit his family in Charlotte.  He never felt the need to go anywhere else once he got to his sister, Dana and brother-in-law, Derek's home.  Their home was his home and the family wanted him home as often as possible.  Although, he was the youngest siblings, he was the brother all his siblings could turn to.

Mark received his education at Erasmus Hall High in Brooklyn, New York.  Mark was brilliant and was offered the opportunity to attend a four year university, however he declined and decided to stay home with his family after the death of his father.  The decision to not attend college never impeded his ability to excel in life.

Mark was employed by the United States Postal Service in Jersey City, New Jersey.  He then relocated to Charlotte to follow his sister, brother-in-law, and nieces.  In 2011, Mark then relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana to build a life with his fiance', Cheri Grant and her son Cheron Grant.  Though he had three beautiful children of his own whom he loved and cherished, Jazmine, Travon (Bub) and Keshaun, his fatherly love spilled over to Cheron who he loved as his own.  Upon relocating to New Orleans, Mark found employment with Melville Hose Specialty. His expertise and skills were sought out in New Orleans which led him to Spartan Industrial and Marine as a Hose Specialist where he made lifelong bonds.  Mark worked harder than anyone, some would say he worked the job of two men.  He was a God-fearing man who loved and had a relationship with the Lord. Mark was baptized and was a member of WestPoint Church, Gretna Louisiana.

He leaves to cherish fond memories his children, Jazmine, Travon, and Keshaun Gravenhise; loving sister, Dana Gravenhise Stallings and brother-in-law, Derrek Stallings; sisters, Sonia, Kim, Laura and Louise Gravenhise; brothers, Michael, Gary, Percy and Mustafa Gravenhise; niece and Goddaughter, Monique; nieces, Shavaun and Ananda Gravenhise Stallings, Daniqua Brown and Janee' Gravenhise; aunt, Marie Wallace and uncle, Kevin Crocket; finance' Cheri Grant and son Cheron Grant and a host of other relatives and close friends.