Mark E Wilson

Mark Elliott Wilson Sr.

Mark Elliott Wilson Sr. was born on May 31, 1959, in Cleveland, Ohio, the middle child of Dr. Milton E. Wilson Jr. and JoeAnn Jackson Murray. After his family relocated to Akron, Ohio, Mark attended Akron Public Schools and proudly graduated from John R. Buchtel High School in 1977.

Mark lived a life defined by love, strength, resilience, hard work, and unwavering devotion to his family. He was a man of his word. If Mark told you he would be there, you could count on him to show up. He never met a stranger and had a natural way of making people feel comfortable and welcomed. He could be stern and accepted no foolishness, but those who knew him understood that his firmness came from a place of love, protection, and wanting the best for those around him.

Throughout his life, Mark held many jobs and took pride in working hard. One of his favorites was Budget Car Rental, where he was able to spend time around one of the things he loved most—cars. Whether driving them, detailing them, or simply appreciating a beautiful vehicle, cars were always one of Mark’s passions.

Mark later spent more than 20 years as an over-the-road truck driver, traveling highways throughout the country and building a career he was extremely proud of. At one point, he also lived and worked in North Carolina until a serious back injury on the job brought him back home to Akron. Although that injury eventually prevented him from continuing the trucking career he loved, the lessons, stories, and experiences from his years on the road remained an important part of who he was.

Mark believed strongly in independence and self-sufficiency. One of the greatest lessons he taught his children was to never depend on anyone for something you are capable of obtaining or accomplishing on your own. He taught them to be strong, work hard, stand on their own two feet, and keep moving forward regardless of the obstacles placed in their path.

Above all, Mark was a family man. He was a loving yet stern father, a devoted fiancé, brother, uncle, friend, and a proud “Paw Paw.” He was a protector of his family and could always be counted on to offer advice, support, laughter, or simply his presence whenever it was needed.

Mark was raised in the Baptist faith and, as he grew older, developed a deeply personal relationship with God. As illness began to take a toll on his body, his faith remained strong. Mark firmly believed that God was able to heal him, and he often shared dreams in which his healing had already taken place. Even through difficult days, he continued to hold tightly to his faith, hope, courage, and determination.

Mark faced numerous health challenges with remarkable resilience. Through each battle, he continued fighting with dignity and strength, refusing to allow illness to define the life he had lived or the man he had become.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Milton E. Wilson Jr. and JoeAnn Jackson Murray; and his older brother, Milton E. Wilson III.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted fiancée, Ronnetta Calhoun; his children, Mark E. Wilson II (Yolanda), Whitney Wilson, Jasmine Allen, and Jermaine Allen; and his special children, Carlos Alexander and Williams Alexander.

He also leaves his loving sisters, Deborah Evans, Mary Wilson, and Denise Harris (Robert); his brother-in-law, Keith David; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Mark was a proud Paw Paw to his grandchildren, Mark E. Wilson III, Mar’Najah Wilson, Martavian Johnson, Tyijohn Gary Sr., Davionna Wilson, Martell Wilson, Marquis Wilson, Martwoin Wilson, Govonna Covington, Nathaniel Ashford Jr., and Lorne Williamson Jr.

His legacy will continue through his great-grandchildren, Ma’lyiah, Makai, Ma’Riyah, and Tyijohn Jr.

A Celebration of Mark’s life will be announced at a later date.

Mark’s life cannot be measured simply by the years he lived, but by the people he protected, the family he loved, the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the strength he passed down to generations after him.

The roads he drove became the memories we carry, and the love, wisdom, and strength he gave us will continue traveling with us for the rest of our lives.

Mark will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.