Mark Williams

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Mark Edward Williams, 52, of Joplin, MO passed away Thursday, April 14. Mark was born on May 4, 1969 in Joplin, Missouri, the son of Meredith and Heather Williams. He graduated from College Heights Christian School (1987), Ozark Christian College (Bachelors, 1995), and Central Christian College of the Bible (Masters, 2021).

Mark was Youth Minister at Kingsway Christian Church, Omaha, NE; Pastor of Community Outreach and Events, First Christian Church, Phoenix, Arizona; and Vice-President of Advancement, Ozark Christian College, Joplin, MO. Most recently, Mark was Business Development Manager at Provision Health System, Neosho, MO; Clinical Chaplain at Freeman Health System; Resident Assistant at Watered Gardens Ministries; and Volunteer Chaplain at Hospice Compassus, all in Joplin, MO.

No matter what Mark did, he strove to help people live with more happiness, fun, joy, and purpose. He cared for people who were lost spiritually, emotionally, or socially, and was a friend to the friendless, an encourager to the downtrodden, and a servant to the marginalized. Because he also loved his hometown and wanted it to be a place people took pride in, he oversaw many extraordinary events like Boomtown Days, Dickens Fest, and Jazz in June.

Mark was an excellent story-teller, speaker, and writer, who would sweep people along with his infectious enthusiasm, eloquence, and charming smile. He enjoyed the outdoors, a witty wise-crack, and time with his family and friends. Mark also dearly loved each of his four children and readily supported their developing interests and desires. An innate entrepreneur, Mark was eternally optimistic, ambitious, and goal-oriented, pursuing his own dreams and helping others pursue theirs as best he could.

Survivors include his four children, Samuel, Benjamin, Jonathan, and Catherine Williams; their mother, Molly Williams; parents, Meredith and Heather Williams, all of Joplin, MO; two brothers and their spouses, Brian and Kim Williams of Philadelphia, PA, and Nathan Williams and Emma Sutton- Williams of New York, NY.

A Celebration Service will be held Wednesday, April 20, 1:30 pm. College Heights Christian Church Chapel, 4311 E. Newman Rd., Joplin, MO. A visitation and reception will follow the service at the Church.

Memorial Gifts: (1) Williams Children Education Fund, https://www.gofundme.com/markwilliamschildren-education and/or (2) Watered Gardens https://wateredgardens.org/give/financially.