Lemuel Mark Edney (Markie D) to family and friends was born on November 26, 1968. He predeceased by his parents Lucullus and Cornelia Edney.

He leaves to cherish eight siblings. Printess (Colbert) Garrison of VA Beach, Rita (Victor) Starling of VA Beach, Victor (Michelle) Edney of VA Beach, Vera Norfleet of Virginia Beach, Regina (Chancellor) Lassiter of Newport News Virginia, Ivan Edney of Maryland, Dan Edney of Portsmouth Virginia, Jerome Edney of Northern Virginia along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Mark was known for his love of God, family and friends. He had an immeasurable giving spirit, words of wisdom, humbleness and love of nature. He enjoyed country style grilling, fishing and endless conversation with family and friends. He was a lifelong fan of the Washington Commanders.

Mark was an extremely hard worker, and it showed through his incredible dedication to federal service that spanned over 20 years.  He operated and managed complex government facilities across the Washington DC area and began his Smithsonian career working on project teams which led to him becoming the facility manager of the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Arts & Industry Building, The Smithsonian Castle, and several Smithsonian leased properties. His leadership in opening the National Museum of African American History and Culture led to him flourishing as the Facility Operations Specialist at the National Museum of African American History and Culture and his incredible knowledge and stewardship led him to elevate to the NMAH team as the Director of Facilities Operations.

Mark was recognized by the Architect of the Capitol for the construction-related support of the Capitol Visitor Center. He was a proud member of the International Facility Management Association (IAMFA) and a Senior fellow with the Partnership for Public Service located in Washington D.C.

We look forward to seeing his smiling face once again in paradise- Rev 21: 3,4

Acknowledgements

We the family would like to thank everyone for all the prayers, calls and love that has been shown at this time of grief.

We would also like to thank his Smithsonian and NMAH work family.

Poem

Our Dearly Beloved Brother,

You were gone before we knew it. A million times we will miss you, a million tears we will cry.

In our hearts you will hold a place, no one else will fill. It broke our hearts to lose you because a part of us went with you that day.                We will see you again in the new world. We thank God that he made you, our brother.