Marion Dodson Lark

HENDERSON- Dr. Marion Dodson Lark, 87, of Forest Drive, died Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Maria Parham Health. Born January 4, 1936 in Greenwood, SC he was the son of the late Grace Dodson Lark and George Washington Lark. Marion’s love of the church began at a young age at Ware Shoals First Baptist Church in his hometown of Ware Shoals, SC. There he was given the nickname of “Preacher Man.” He graduated from Ware Shoals High School and Furman University before beginning his post-graduate studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Southeastern and an honorary Doctor of Ministry from Campbell University where he was the baccalaureate speaker for the Class of 1998. Dr. Lark was a well respected and well loved minister throughout North Carolina, first in Raleigh at Hillcrest Baptist Church, then at First Baptist Farmville and finally at First Baptist Church Henderson where following his retirement in 2002, he was honored as Minister Emeritus. Even in retirement, he continued to minister to area communities serving interim pastorates at Wake Forest Baptist, Liberty Christian and Wise Baptist Churches. He was a member of First Baptist Henderson, was active in the monthly meetings of the “Wranglers” ministers discussion group, formerly served on the board of directors for the Biblical Recorder, on the general board and executive committee of the Baptist State Convention of NC, and for two years served as the chairman of the Historical Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. His past civic involvement includes being a board member of the Downtown Development Commission, being instrumental in beginning ACTS (Area Christians Together in Service), even giving the organization its name. Dr. Lark’s current community involvement included being a member of the Henderson Rotary Club for more than 30 years, where he was a past president and a past Paul Harris Fellow, and he was a member of the board of directors for the Henderson Family YMCA since 2005. He was honored as the 2013 Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church Henderson, Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. by Dr. Ron Cava, Dr. Glenn Phillips and Dr. Phil Young. A private interment will be held for the family. Marion is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean Gillespie Lark of the home; his son, Jonathan M. Lark and wife, Reba, of Durham; his daughter, Jeanne L. Amos of Henderson; his grandson, Ian L. Amos; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, John L. Amos; and his beloved Golden Retriever, “Buddy.” The family will receive friends following the memorial service on Wednesday in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Henderson, PO Box 75, Henderson, NC 27536. Dr. Marion Lark Funeral Service from The First Baptist Church on Vimeo.