Mark Lynn Simons

Mark Lynn Simons, of Suffolk, Virginia, died suddenly September 7, 2015 while vacationing in the OBX. He was 56. Mark was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, to W.E. (Woody) and Lilla Mae Simons. Mark graduated from Churchland High School in Portsmouth, VA. and from the Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding. Not only was Mark employed there for more than 35 years, he also taught for several years in the extracurricular program at the apprenticeship school. Mark was also the owner and founder of M. L. Simons Electrical, which he operated with passion and integrity for more than 25 years. He was a dedicated and faithful member of Believers Church. There he gave willingly of his time by serving backstage “because he loved to be close to the action.” Mark also used his expertise in helping when any electrical needs came up. Mark loved the outdoors and many of Mark’s fondest memories came from his time with the Virginia Baptist Association where he worked for several summers as a counselor at the Royal Ambassador Camp at Peeks of Otter at Bedford, VA. It was this love for the outdoors that inspired him to design and build his own log home on a beautiful piece of wooded land. Mark will be remembered by his love for people, always giving willingly of his time to help others, and consistently placing the needs of others above himself. He is survived by his wife, Laralyn Kent Simons; son, Christopher Lynn Simons of Richmond; son, Joe Mark Simons and daughter Lilla Arlene Simons of Suffolk; mother, Lilla Mae Simons Felton of Chesapeake. He is predeceased by his father, W.E. (Woody) Simons and grandparents, M.W. (Pete) and Cora Simons and Orelle and Lilla Mae Mayfield. A celebration of Mark’s life will be held at 10 am Monday at Believers Church, Chesapeake, Virginia. The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday from 7-8 PM. Loving Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund to benefit Mark’s family has been established at Bayport Credit Union. For those wanting to contribute to the BayPort Credit Union Memorial Fund, they can visit any location and specify the account as “Memorial Fund for the family of Mark L. Simons”. If they cannot make it to a location, they can mail their donation to: BayPort Credit Union 3711 Huntington Avenue Newport News, VA 23607 Our Heavenly Father has called a special child to his eternal home and Mark is now is in God's hands.