Mr. Mark Terrance Denson

Mark Terrance Denson was born March 24, 1964 in Detroit to parents Herman and Christine Denson. Mark is the middle of three children, joining the family shortly after his older sister Venus, with younger brother Christopher following 12 years after. Mark is a Cass Technical High School alumni from the class of 1982. He was known and loved as his senior class president, track star, and overall friend to everyone. After high school, Mark went on to study Business Management at Wayne State University. During his studies, he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Incorporated. Mark served as president of Alpha Upsilon Chapter at Wayne State. Mark recently celebrated the chapter’s 40th anniversary with his line brothers, the 11th Hour. He is remembered and survived by many of his brothers, and will live on in their memory forever as a brother and friend. Affectionately named by the Detroit City Counsel as “Mr. Detroit”, it is evident that Mark’s biggest passion in life was the city of Detroit. Upon concluding his education with Wayne State, Mark began working for Senator Donald Riegle until shortly after, moving his professional focus back to the city, where he worked in economic development for 35 years. Most recently, Mark served as the Senior Director for Strategy and Operations for the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, with the aim to help better the future of the city through financial wellbeing. Mark worked for the DEGC for 14 years, fulfilling many roles for the company. He is highly respected in the city not only for his work with the DEGC, but for his continual devoted effort to various other professional and personal endeavors throughout his life. Mark even owned a segway tour business, “D-Tours”, with the goal of filling the streets of Detroit and the minds of tourists and locals with knowledge, laughter, and genuine love for the city. Mark loved to give back to the city in any way he could: Detroit was one of the biggest loves of his life. When Mark was not working, volunteering, or dedicating his time to bettering the city, he continued to give back through his support and admiration of local artists. Mark was an avid collector of art of many kinds, but filled the walls of his home with beautiful paintings and photos. Mark also loved to enjoy fine cigars and bourbons, especially in the company of friends. He is fondly remembered by all for his genuine friendship and infectious personality. Mark passed away on April 6, 2024 peacefully in his home. He leaves behind in his memory his children: Jasmine, Michael, and Luke. He was also a loving grandfather to his grandson, Cairo. Mark also leaves in his memory many nieces and nephews, family, and friends. He will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit amongst other fellow proud and prominent Detroiters. He is thoroughly missed by his family and friends and will forever live on through the impacts he made and the lives he touched.

Mr. Mark Terrance Denson

March 24, 1964 - April 6, 2024