Mr. Samuel Grady Marks

Samuel Grady Marks was born on April 4, 1927 in Little Rock Arkansas to the parentage of the late Grady Marks and Ida Bell Barnett. Samuel (Known as Sam) was one of 4 children and adored by his 3 sisters Gradyleen, Trudy Berleen and Geraldine. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior when he was baptized in the Arkansas River at an early age. Samuel’s family moved to San Francisco, Ca. in 1944. He received his formal education at Mission High School in San Francisco, where he was also an avid basketball player. As a young man, Samuel registered in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana Company A, 510th Infantry Battalion where he became a Sergeant and later completed a tour of duty in Korea. After several years of service he returned to civilian life in San Francisco. Along his journey Samuel married Dorothy Belfrey of Shreveport, Louisiana, and to this union was added a daughter, Sheila Denise, who he lovingly doted on his entire life. While living in San Francisco, Samuel was employed by the Maritime Association of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union where he was employed for over 30-years. As a Longshoreman Samuel assisted in the importing and exporting of products and goods from all over the world throughout the entire Bay Area. He was a dedicated union member, participating in union marches, strikes and conventions. Samuel was very close to his family, very active in the church and in his community at large. His final church home was St. John Missionary Baptist Church were he attended faithfully. Samuel loved to spend time with his mother, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He cherished many longtime friends. Samuel enjoyed his home, gardening, traveling, cooking, socializing and helping others. He enjoyed annual trips to Arkansas to hunt and reconnect with family. His life was guided by his strong faith and Christian stewardship. In 2010, due to declining health, Samuel relocated to Sugar Land, TX to be near Sheila and as he called him “his son”, Kevin. He continued serving the Lord, influencing family-members and meeting new friends. He remained in their care until his passing on January 23rd at the age of 89. Samuel was preceded in death by his parents, Grady Marks and Ida Barnett; sisters, Gradyleen Ward, Trudy Jackson and Geraldine Williams; his niece, Sandra Deer; his nephew, Kent Williams and Dorothy Belfry Marks, former spouse and lifelong friend. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Sheila Bernard; his beloved son-in-law, Kevin Bernard, both residents of Sugarland, Texas; nieces Carolyn Johnson, Linda Jackson and Ilene Jackson; nephew Michael Ward and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews and longtime friends all of whom he loved and cherished.

Mr. Samuel Grady Marks

April 4, 1927 - January 23, 2017