Mark V. Stephenson

Mark Stephenson, 69, of Brunswick, passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at home with his wife and very close friend by his side, after more than a three year battle with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). 

Born January 8, 1956, in Charles Town, WV, he was the son of the late Homer E. Selby and Anna B. (Hite) Selby. 

He was a graduate of Brunswick High School, Class of 1973.

Mark was an avid cyclist and could be found daily on the C&O Canal Towpath during the summer and sparingly in the winter. He was the happiest when he was riding his E-bike. Mark absolutely loved meeting and talking to any person (strangers) using the towpath. He would purposely seek out any person willing to talk and share their journey. Over the years, Mark formed long lasting friendships that he truly cherished with individuals (the "Towpath Gang") who he met while riding the towpath. He would ride with them or meet up with them during his ride. 

Mark enjoyed the early days of NASCAR racing, listening to the races on the radio, sitting on the wall outside Nininger’s Auto Center, drinking numerous cold beers with his friends. He also enjoyed hosting the Saturday night poker games, sometimes all night. 

Mark married Evelyn Pearl on Tuesday, April 28, 1987, in Frederick, MD. They lived in Brunswick and shared a wonderful life of love and happiness together. He will be deeply missed. 

Mark is survived by his wife of 37 years, Evelyn and their 11 year old "son" Radar; half-sister, Mary Rachel of Frederick, MD; mother-in-law, Mary Pearl of Jefferson, MD; uncle, Max Hite of Frederick; brother-in-law, Michael Pearl and wife Cathy of Braddock Heights, MD; sisters-in-law, Jennifer Merriman of Jefferson, Winifred Pearl of Jefferson, and Lana Crutchley and husband Mike of Knoxville; and several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Homer and Anna Selby, formerly of Brunswick; his "sons" Rocky and Eli; brother, Philip (Dale) Stephenson, Jr., formerly of Harpers Ferry, WV; father-in-law, Eugene F. Pearl, formerly of Brunswick; and aunt Alma Hite, formerly of Frederick. 

Mark is also remembered fondly by his many friends, including Gene and Diane Farmer, Roger and Paulette Igniasiak, Joe and Carolyn Eshbaugh, Art Marineau, and Brad Stocks. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Nouman Asif, Hanna Wade, Lisa Cook, and the entire staff at Maryland Oncology Hematology who cared for and supported Mark throughout his cancer journey. Dr. Laura Samples, Rachel Adams and the entire team at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Their treatment and care provided Mark hope when he didn't have any. The entire Frederick Health Hospice team, with special recognition to Tina, Patty, and Patricia. Lastly, to all of Mark's friends who provided encouragement and support. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the C&O Canal Trust (https://www.canaltrust.org); The American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/); The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls.org) or Frederick Health Hospice (https://www.frederickhealthhospice.org/).

To honor Mark's wishes, no funeral services will be held. Interment will be held privately with the family. 

A celebration of Mark's life will be held in May 2025 and will be announced in the Frederick News Post. 

Arrangements are with Stauffer Funeral Home, Brunswick. Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.