Mark Ernest Stephenson

April 11, 1950 – October 4, 2026

Mark Ernest Stephenson, beloved husband, father, Pop Pop, brother, veteran, fisherman, and animal lover, passed away after a courageous battle with leukemia.

Mark was born on April 11, 1950, in Vineland, New Jersey, to Edward R. Stephenson and Ethel Godfrey Stephenson Kolb. He lived for a time in Malaga, New Jersey, but spent much of his youth in Waynesville, North Carolina. Western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains remained close to his heart throughout his life. He later returned to New Jersey and graduated from Delsea Regional High School in 1968.

Shortly after graduation, Mark entered the United States Army, serving from 1969 to 1971. His service included a 13½-month tour in Vietnam. He served in a combat zone as a materiel expediter with the Materiel Section of the 2nd Maintenance Battalion (DS), receiving recognition for outstanding service from the officers and men of the section. He attained the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged.

Mark was deeply proud of his military service and his fellow Vietnam veterans, while always believing that those who served in Vietnam did not receive the welcome home or recognition they deserved. More than five decades later, his service continued to affect his life. At age 72, Mark was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which later transformed into an aggressive form of leukemia attributed to his exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam. He fought his illness with courage and determination until the end.

After returning home, Mark returned to work for Prudential in Millville, where he met Joanne, the woman with whom he would share the next 54 years of marriage. He later began a career of more than 40 years with Pepsi-Cola in Pennsauken as a driver and salesman. A proud member of the Teamsters, he also served as a shop steward, representing and advocating for his fellow employees.

Above all else, Mark loved his family. He shared 54 years of marriage with his wife, Joanne L. Stephenson (Breeden) of Clementon. In addition to Joanne, Mark is survived by his sons, Christopher Mark Stephenson of Clementon and Craig S. Stephenson of Mickleton; his daughter-in-law, Sumana Stephenson (Bandyopadhyay) of Mickleton; his grandchildren, Ella L. Stephenson and Cameron Mark Stephenson of Mickleton; and his brother, Edward Stephenson of Kodak, Tennessee.

Being “Pop Pop” was a role Mark especially cherished. He was immensely proud of Ella and Cameron and frequently reminded the family that they got their “good looks, intelligence, and athletic ability from their Pop Pop.” As far as Mark was concerned, the matter was settled.

Mark loved the outdoors, wildlife, birds, and animals of all kinds. He loved his “grandpuppy,” Buddy, and over the years had a special place in his heart for his cats, especially Tiny, Baby, Itty Bitty, and Rascal.

Perhaps nowhere was Mark happier than with a fishing rod in his hand. An avid—and, if you asked him, highly skilled—freshwater fisherman, he especially loved the battle of landing a good bass. Fishing brought together his love of nature, the outdoors, and a little friendly competition.

Mark also loved sports, particularly the Phillies, along with the Eagles, Lehigh Field Hockey, and Rutgers–Camden Baseball. A Pabst Blue Ribbon drinker in his younger days and an IPA snob later in life, he enjoyed sharing an IPA with Christopher, Craig and friends.

Mark’s life was filled with service, hard work, family, fishing, animals, sports, mountains, and the simple pleasures of time spent with the people he loved. Those who knew him will remember his humor, his opinions, his loyalties, his stories, and the unmistakable personality he brought to all of it.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mark’s life on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Barr Funeral Home in Millville, New Jersey. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Methodist service. Mark will be laid to rest with military honors at Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Williamstown, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mark’s memory to either of the following organizations:

Forgotten Warriors Vietnam Museum (Cape May, NJ) https://forgottenwarriorsvietnammuseum.com/donations/

Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center (Blackwood, NJ) https://www.homewardboundnj.org/donate

(Or your favorite local animal shelter)