Mark Edwin Avant

Coleman Funeral Home of Southaven Mark Edwin Avant, 66, passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024, in Southaven, MS. A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 1:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 pm, all at Trinity Baptist Church in Southaven. Fellowship will follow in the gym at Trinity Baptist Church. Coleman Funeral Home of Southaven is entrusted with the arrangements. Mark was the firstborn son born to Carl and Mary Avant on March 10, 1958. Mark graduated from Southaven High School class of 1976. He attended Delta State University, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He graduated with double bachelor’s degrees in chemistry & biology. Mark met the love of his life Sandy Hidalgo in August 1984. They married the following year, where they built a life that revolved around serving and loving others. They raised three wonderful children; two daughters, Tara and Nikki, and one son, Matt. Mark was a longtime devoted member of Trinity Baptist Church and an active participant in numerous ministries. His life revolved around his faith. For two decades, Mark was deeply involved with the Gideons Ministry, never hesitating to give out Bibles and ask if someone they knew Jesus. He served on mission trips, including to Africa, Niagara, and other regions, where he spread his love of Christ and put Bibles in the hands of those who might otherwise never hear the Word of God. Locally, Mark passed out Bibles in schools to students of all ages, ranging graduations, Fellowships of Christian Students, and the Good News Ministry at Hope Sullivan Elementary School. Mark also found joy in music and singing and was a valued member of the Trinity Church's praise team. His devotion extended beyond his church community to his family, where he fulfilled his roles as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend with the same steadfastness and care he showed to others. Mark’s life reflected his favorite Bible verse Ephesians 2:10 (ESV), “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Known as a "jack of all trades," Mark was a skilled carpenter who built his own home for his family, reflecting his resourcefulness, love, and dedication. If Mark did not know how to accomplish a task, he would work at it until he was successful. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 40 years, Sandy Hidalgo Avant of Horn Lake, MS; his two daughters, Tara (David) Lewis of Olive Branch, MS; Nikki (Cotton) Blythe of Lake Cormorant; MS, and his only son Matt Avant of Horn Lake, MS; his grandchildren, Kyndal (Cade) Braswell, Caroline Lewis, Kate Lewis, and Greene Blythe; his brothers, Kevin (Donna) Avant of Hernando, MS, and Brian (Melissa) Avant of Nesbit, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mary Poor Avant. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Mr. Mark Edwin Avant can be made to the Trinity Baptist Church Missions Fund (2101 Colonial Hills Drive Southaven, MS 38671). Expressions of condolences may be left on his Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhomesh.com.

Mark Edwin Avant

March 10, 1958 - September 15, 2024

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