Obituary

So, enough about my plans.  It is dominating my free time, though there isn't much of that available.

Many years ago I recall hearing this advice:  " To frame and crystallize the person you want to be, write your own obituary."  So here goes:

Mark Neilsonne suffered an accidental death at his church volunteer construction site.  He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Neilsonne his Brother, Scott Neilsonne and his mother Francine Neilsonne.  No memorial service is planned according to his directions.  He requested that his family be comforted and supported during this time of grief.  His remains have been cremated and sealed in a common grave, as was his father whom he loved deeply.

Mark was a person of simple tastes.  He enjoyed few things, but always wanted to excel at those few things on which he chose to focus.  He overcame years of suffering with depression and, with a new determination, began his life anew.  After selling most of his assets and paying off debt, he devoted his energy in service to God as much as his regular work schedule would allow.  This required 12 hours of study each week during which time he learned to be fluent with the scriptures and he relied on the teachings therein to guide his life.

With his renewed focus on his faith, he made volunteer bible education a primary focus of his life and energies.  Mark continued to have an interest in physics, economics and computer networks, continually taking at least one course at any moment in time.  Mark will be remembered for his hard work and tenacity.

While he spent much of his time reaching out to educate others, he was himself a quiet and solitary person when left to himself.  He enjoyed being alone with his thoughts and took vacations in the mountains of North Carolina.  An avid reader, he spent this time so engaged, and always came back with new zest and determination to carry on with his ministry.

Mark is a graduate and salutatorian of the class of 1985 from Southside High School of Macon GA.. He also graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Emory University in 1989. He will be missed by the few who really knew and loved him.