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T he C elebration of L ife SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2026 Lie in Repose from 4-6pm Greater Mt. Carmel, COGIC 250 Chestnut Ave. W. Berlin, NJ 08091

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2026 Celebration of Life at 7pm Viewing from 5-7pm

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2026 National Celebration at 10am Viewing from 9-10am

Bethany Baptist Church 1115 E. Gibbsboro Rd. Lindenwold, NJ 08021

Bishop David Evans, Host Pastor

C“Aelebration of L ife Celebration of Excellence” “If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.” - Colin Powell Versatile in his gifts, creative in his expression, charismatic in his presence, and anointed for his assignment, this was Bishop Mark Kevin Reid. Born on August 3, 1954, to the late Pastor Elijah Alexander Reid, Sr. and Mother Susie Mae Reid, he was the seventh of twelve children and the first to be called into the ministry. Raised in East Berlin, New Jersey, he was nurtured in the standards of holiness. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior at the young age of seventeen and began preaching several years later. He received his elementary education in the Berlin Township School System and graduated from Edgewood Regional High School in 1972. His pursuit of academic excellence continued at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Education and Art. He furthered his studies at the Philadelphia College of Bible and the Grace Bible Institute, where he majored in Pastoral Care/Counseling and studied Bible history. In July 2007, he earned a diploma in Biblical Studies from the Charles Harrison Mason Bible Institute. He also pursued a master’s degree in Administration and Guidance at Rowan College. He met the love of his life, Carolyn, in the hallways of Edgewood High School, where a little shove became the beginning of a lifelong love story. That moment blossomed into courtship and led them to the altar in 1977. Bishop Mark and his beloved Carolyn shared 56 years of love, including 49 years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, family, and devotion to one another. Their union was blessed with three beautiful and talented children: Joy Monique Larae, Eboni Carol, and Mark Alexander Martin Chandler, affectionately known as Markie. Following college, Bishop Mark began his career as an instrumentation designer at JJ Henry Corp. He continued in the field at BSFS working alongside his older brother Elijah, and at Scott Paper in Camden before joining Mobil Oil Refinery in Paulsboro, New Jersey, where he served for twelve years. He then entered full-time ministry, faithfully working with his father until he became pastor. In his later years, he worked alongside his daughter Joy at the Creative Minds Academy after-school program, sharing his time, talents, and care with the children. His creativity could never be confined to one canvas. His artwork found a home in churches, on a university campus, and within his own home. Commissioned by Rutgers University, he painted a mural portraying college life that is still seen today by students entering Tillett Hall on the Livingston Campus in New Brunswick, New Jersey. At Healing Wings Church of God in Christ, he was commissioned to paint a mural of Jesus being baptized in the Jordan River. At Greater Mt. Carmel COGIC, he painted a portrait of Jesus Christ praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. An artist with the pen as well as the brush, Bishop Mark inspired and encouraged many hearts through his poetic tributes, a gift passed on to him by his mother.

A defining moment in Bishop Mark’s life was the passing of the pastoral mantle from his father to him, the seventh of twelve children, on January 20, 1999. As Pastor of Greater Mt. Carmel COGIC, he faithfully served as God’s visionary, leading with purpose and a commitment to excellence. His consecration as Bishop on January 13, 2025, marked the crowning achievement of his ministry. As Bishop of the New Jersey First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, he embraced a greater assignment in the Kingdom of God, carrying forward the faith and dedication that had shaped his life of service. His commitment to “Excellence in Ministry” rang out through unforgettable messages such as “Can You Hear Me Now?”; “Who’s Your Daddy?”; “Lord Send the Rain”; and “What Would Jesus Do?” His teaching challenged people to grow, his preaching called them to faith, and his example encouraged them to put that faith to work.

Bishop Mark had a love for thrifting that came with a schedule all on its own. Red, White & Blue was his daily stop, with additional destinations throughout the week: Cow Town on Tuesdays, Salvation Army on Wednesdays, and Columbus on Thursdays. Saturdays brought him to familiar ground at the Berlin Farmers Market and to English Town. He approached the search for a good find with the same enthusiasm and personality that made so much of life with him memorable. His commitment to ministry was demonstrated through years of faithful service to his father, Pastor Elijah Reid, Sr. In March 1976, he was charged to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in August 1979, he was ordained an Elder in the Church of God in Christ under the late Bishop Esau Courtney, Sr. In 1986, he was appointed Administrative Assistant and Chairman of the Church Council, serving for ten years before being elevated to Assistant Pastor of Greater Mt. Carmel in 1996. Through these roles, he established the prison outreach ministry, Christian counseling ministry, nursing home outreach, and several other special ministries designed to meet the needs of God’s people. His gifts and leadership extended to district, jurisdictional, and national service. He served as Program Coordinator for both the Camden District and the Bible Institute Workshop; Public Relations Officer for the State Youth Department; Executive Secretary for the First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of New Jersey; and National Workshop Facilitator, Conference Coordinator, and Panelist for the Presiding Bishop’s Leadership Conference. He was also the co-editor of the Jurisdictional Bishops Handbook of Leadership Mandates and Missions Statement. He also served as Superintendent of the E. A. Reid Memorial District.

Bishop Mark brought joy, enthusiasm, and vigor to the “New” New Jersey First. He brought fresh life to the work and renewed confidence in what could be accomplished together. He reinstated the ministry of greeters, the nurses’ unit, and the office of Chief Operating Officer, while recharging the music ministry and introducing the Worship Arts Ministry. Districts, pastors, churches, and individual members returned to the jurisdiction upon hearing that Bishop Mark had been appointed as their bishop. His leadership gave people a reason to reconnect, serve, and believe in the possibilities ahead. Under his leadership, the jurisdiction’s first Leadership Summit was birthed, creating a place for learning, growth, and equipping God’s people for the work of ministry. His rallying declaration, ‘We Are Better Together,’ became more than a slogan, it reflected his belief in the strength of a united jurisdiction. He established a blueprint for service, unity, and excellence that remains ours to carry forward.

Bishop Mark’s commitment to service extended beyond the pulpit and into the community he proudly called home. He worked behind the scenes for the good of Berlin Township, and his desire to do more inspired him to seek a place on the Town Council. He served as a high school teacher in the Franklin Township School System, an Upward Bound Counselor at Camden County College, an L.C.C.R.H.S. District #1 Home Bound Instructor, and a volunteer counselor at Lakeland Juvenile Detention Center. His community involvement included the Pastoral Alliance of Berlin Area Churches and Berlin Township’s “Harvest Celebration, Trunk or Treat.” His story continues through the family he loved, the lives he shaped, and the people who proudly called him their own. At the heart of that story is his beloved wife of 49 years, Lady Carolyn Reid, with whom he shared 56 years of love; their three children, Joy Stokes (Michael), Eboni Reid, and Markie Reid; and grandchildren, Larae, Elysia, Amiri, Jeremiah, Michael Jr. and Ireanna. That story also continues through his eleven siblings: Elijah Reid, Harold Reid, Brenda Dayne, Marilyn Hill (Harold), Robert Reid (Debbie), Ronald Reid, Pamela Reid-Reed, Marianne Jones (Woodrow), Cheryl Scott, Eric Reid (Tonya), and Susie Coffee (Allen). He was preceded in death by his parents, Pastor Elijah Alexander Reid, Sr. and Mother Susie Mae Reid. Sharing in the love and legacy of his life are his bonus family, Tina Ezekiel (Chunky), Tarralyn, and Taylor; his in-laws, Donald (Amelda), Andrew (Leslie), Michael (Cynthia), and Judy (Arthur); his special cousin, Floyd Riley; his godchildren, Tonya Beaman and Kelley Settles (Mark); college friends, Theodore & Linda Faison, Milton Hobbs and Wayne Braggs; special friend, Rudolph Vincent, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual sons, and spiritual daughters. His Greater Mt. Carmel Church family and the “New” New Jersey First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction also carry forward the imprint of his love and leadership. Bishop Mark declared that our jurisdiction was “Not a Monument but a Movement.” As we honor his life, we embrace that same charge. We will do more than celebrate what he accomplished, we will continue the movement he started, building upon his vision through faithful service, purposeful leadership, and unity. The God who walked with his father walked faithfully with him. Now, the work of his hands, the wisdom of his teaching, and the love he poured into others remain. Bishop Mark Kevin Reid completed his assignment, but the blueprint endures and the legacy moves forward.

T he G randchildren Dear WuWu, I love you so much. I still can’t believe you’re gone. You were so young, and I wish we had more time together. But I’m glad you’re in your happy place with God. You were the best Grandpa ever! Thank you for staying up late to help me with my school projects, even though you did most of the work! I will always remember those times with you. I miss you so much, but knowing you’re happy with God makes me happy, too. I will love you forever. Love, Lara`e Dear WuWu, I miss you so much already. I’m so glad I got to have you as my grandfather. You were always fun to be around, especially when you took us sledding or when we rode on the Fourth of July float. I wish I could see you one more time and give you a big hug. I love you, WuWu! -Love, Taylor I never thought I would be saying goodbye so soon. I wish we had more time to grow closer and build the relationship we were meant to have. I will always remember your tracksuits and your paintings. I loved looking at your painting of God on the wall and admiring it every time I saw it. I miss you, and I love you, Gramps. - Tara Pop, you’ve been in my life since I was a little kid. You were a great person, a faithful servant, a loving dad, and, most of all, a man of God! At just six years old, I played my first church service under your leadership at GMC. From playing the drums alongside my dad to now playing the keyboard, you gave me space to nurture my gift and grow as a musician. I will always be grateful for your support and the opportunity to serve under your leadership. This still feels so unreal, but I find comfort in knowing you’re in a better place. Love you, Pop! Lil Mike

T he O rder of S ervice

Officiant – Bishop Carl Pierce, Sr. - Jurisdictional Prelate of Maryland Central Jurisdiction

THE MUSICAL PRELUDE The Processional Chief Jurisdictional Adjutant, Visiting Bishops, Administrative Assistants, Jurisdictional Secretary, District Superintendents, Pastors and Elders, The Family Praise & Worship Medley Invocation ................................................................................................. Pastor Staci Williams Old Testament Scripture ................................................................ Pastor Quinton Schwartz New Testament Scripture .................................................. Dist. Missionary Amanda Porter Songs of Celebration ................................................................................. Jurisdictional Choir EXPRESSIONS OF HONOR Representing the State .................. Superintendent John Jones & Pastor William Bynes Representing the District .................................................... Superintendent Melvin Braxton Jurisdictional Supervisor ................................................................. Mother Jeanette F. King Representing the District Missionaries ............................................... 1st Asst. Gizelle Davis Songs of Celebration .................................................................................. Jurisdictional Choir PERSONAL REFLECTIONS Bishop Kevin Knight .................................................................. NJ Third Jurisdiction Prelate Superintendent Earnell Steed, Jr. .................................................. Administrative Assistant ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF CIVIC, ECUMENICAL, EPISCOPAL LEADERS & DISTINGUISHED GUESTS Pastor Major Mitchell Civic Proclamation ............................................................................... Mayor Phyliss Magazzu Acknowledgment of Resolutions & Cards ................................... Evangelist Iesha Howard REFLECTIONS OF LOVE & LEGACY A Shepherd’s Heart ................................................ Deacon Harold Hill & Missy Marilyn Hill A Toomer Legacy ........................................................................................ Cousin Floyd Riley A Lifetime of Love ......................................... Pastor Robert Reid & Sister Marianne Jones Our Father, Our Foundation .................................................................... Joy, Eboni & Markie Presentation of the Homilist ...................................................................... Pastor Brian Taylor A Song of Honor ................................................................................... Sister Beverly Roberts Homilist .......................................................................................... Pastor Dr. Lawrence Powell RECESSIONAL

T he W ife’s T ribute Bishop Mark Kevin Reid, For 56 years, our love never grew dim. We were high school sweethearts, and from those early days, we built a beautiful life together. You were my rock, my strength, my security, and my protector. You made life sweet, and we shared so much of it side by side. My heart is aching, and I long to talk with you, to laugh with you, and to serve beside you in ministry. I have asked the Lord why I must enter this season without you. I wanted more time with you here on earth, but God called you home. I never wanted to do life without you, but I will carry your love with me always. You will forever be the love of my life. I am so proud of all you accomplished and grateful for the privilege of serving beside you at Greater Mt. Carmel and in the jurisdiction. I watched you faithfully serve God as a minister, then as an elder, pastor, jurisdictional secretary, district superintendent and finally as Bishop of the New Jersey First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Through every season, I was blessed to stand beside you, and I know you are now rejoicing in heaven. I will hold close the love you gave me, the beautiful memories we made, and the tender care you always showed me. With God’s strength and your love in my heart, I will keep living until we meet again. To the one I will love forever, from the one you loved so dearly.

Lady Carolyn Reid

T he C hildren’s T ribute Dear Dad, I know you wanted a boy first, but God gave you me, the Joy of your life. Your firstborn. Your first girl. Our family will never let me forget that you raised me like the son you thought you were getting! At eight years old, I was cutting grass, doing yard work, and helping repair houses. Since I was a teenager, I worked by your side in ministry. So many of the skills people see in me, I learned from watching you, your creativity and resourcefulness. God gifted me to help you carry what He placed in you. It was my assignment, and being beside you was one of the greatest gifts of my life. You were my superhero. For real. I believed there was nothing my dad couldn’t do. You and Mom made me who I am today. You taught me how to navigate this world and live for God. I saw how deeply you loved God, GMC, the Jurisdiction, and the Church of God in Christ. There were times we wanted you to lay the hammer down, but you would remind us, “They have a soul.” That was your heart. I love how you loved Rae and Amiri. I couldn’t wait for the school to assign a project because I knew it would be done with excellence and be the best one in the class! I would have moved the earth for you. I NEVER played about you and Mom. I will miss you tremendously. II Timothy 4:7 says, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” Dad, you lived those words. But there is also a daughter in me who still wants her dad. You did a good work. I saw what it cost you, and I saw you keep giving. Thank you for trusting my gifts, for every lesson, and for the privilege of working by your side. I will always be your firstborn, your first girl, and the Joy of your life. And you will always be my dad. My superhero. Love always, Your Joy My Final Letter to Dad Dear Dad, Words cannot describe the pain of saying goodbye, even if it’s only for now. My heart is heavy, but I find comfort in knowing God had a greater plan, and even when we don’t understand His timing, we must trust His will. Dad, you were and always will be the greatest father and one of the greatest men I’ve ever known. You touched countless lives and left a mark that will never fade. And the beautiful thing is, you didn’t need tattoos to leave your mark. Your love, wisdom, kindness, and memories are forever engraved in our hearts. They say time makes the pain easier, but I haven’t reached that day yet. What brings me comfort is seeing the overwhelming love from everyone whose life you touched. It reminds me how blessed I was to call you my Dad. Life will never be the same without your voice, your smile, and your presence. But your love, lessons, and legacy will live on through us forever. Dad, you are missed beyond words and loved beyond measure. You may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. This isn’t goodbye forever. It’s simply until we meet again. Rest peacefully, Dad. You left a beautiful mark on this world, but your greatest mark will always be the one you left on my heart. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever my Dad. - Eboni I’m at a loss for words, Dad. You were my superhero, and a part of me thought you would be here forever. The way you built this family, sacrificed for God’s glory, and taught us to do things the right way will stay with me forever. As I got older, I saw how much we were alike. Our talks grew deeper, and we would pick each other’s brains. Just two weeks ago, I told you that you were my “celebrity.” I meant every word. I’ll miss your messages, your jokes, our handshake, and our trips to the flea markets. I didn’t always understand what you were pouring into me, but I’m grateful for every lesson. I wish I were telling you this face-to-face. I promise to keep making you proud. I hope I made you proud to be my father, because I was always proud to be your son. You were one of a kind, and your light will live on through the lives you touched. Don’t eat too many cookies on those streets of gold, and please watch over me, Dad. I LOVE YOU. Always proud to be your son. - Markie

T he S ibling’s T ribute We all loved you Mark, but God loved you best. - Eli MARK my words. It broke our hearts to lose you. But you didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home. I thank God for every remembrance of You, my dear Brother. - Harold Millions didn’t make it but you were one of the ones that did. Go with God and give my regards to Mom and Dad. Love you, brother. - Brenda Mark, nothing gave me the pleasure like being able to say you were my Bishop, Pastor and Brother. My heart is heavy, yet I trust God. We will watch over your Family. - Marilyn Seems like only yesterday as little boys people would ask were we triplets…for our Easter and Christmas suits from Lit Brothers in Camden would be exactly the same! One of us had to break the dress code. Somebody had to take the lead to be different…to be the first…u the 7th child of 12…completion…finished course…u were not born the seventh for nothing because it was in the mind of our LORD that u would be the presser of the MARK…only found in CHRIST JESUS! Love you bro! - Robbie Wow! Mark, you and I were just chatting at the Auction 2 Saturdays ago. I was telling you how good the convocation was and all the people there and those that were coming back. He smiled and laughed and said, “Now I just have to keep them!” Mark loved his work in God’s vineyard. To say I will miss is a total understatement. We, along with Robbie, were “The Three Amigos.” He’s with Mom & Daddy now and boy am I jealous! - Ronnie My Special Brother, who has been my Comedy Show Laughing Partner, my “Don’t You Hate Club CEO,” my “Relocation Service Man,” my “Berlin Junior Band Conductor Extraordinaire,” my former GMC Pastor, my super close childhood “Bro Buddy,” for these and many more reasons, YOU will always LIVE in my heart, mind and soul. I love You forever, “Bro Kev.” - Pamela To say that we are proud of you is a gross understatement. Thank you for the memories that we will hold onto ever so tightly until we meet again, my Dear Brother. - Marianne Thank you for all the memories, showing and teaching me somethings about his Art work and paintings. Mark has finished the final touch on the painting of the portrait. He can rest in God arms. - Cheryl Goodbye dear brother. I Love you and I will see you in Heaven. - Ric You are loved more than you thought and will be missed more than you know. Love you, big brother Bishop Mark. - Susie

We, the family of Bishop Mark Kevin Reid, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our extended family and friends. Thank you for every prayer, thoughtful message, tribute, kind word, and expression of love during this unexpected and difficult time. Your support has brought comfort to our hearts and reminded us that we are surrounded by love. We extend a special thank you to everyone who has given their time and resources, provided meals, and helped carry the many responsibilities of these days. Every act of kindness has meant more than words can express. To all of the “NEW” New Jersey First Jurisdiction who have labored alongside Bishop, your steadfast support, love, friendship, and faithfulness to the body of Christ meant the world to him. Honor his legacy by continuing the work, walking in unity, and remaining a Movement and not a Monument. As he so often reminded us, “We Are Better Together.” To the members of Greater Mt. Carmel Church, thank you for loving our Bishop and standing with our family. Please keep the spirit of praise alive. Bishop was a praiser, and as we remember his life, let us continue to lift our hands, lift our voices, and give God glory—even through our tears. May we always declare, “Here at Greater Mt. Carmel, it’s ALWAYS a celebration!” Please continue to keep our family in your prayers as we learn to navigate life without his physical presence. We will carry his love in our hearts, live out the lessons he taught us, and continue the work he so faithfully poured himself into. May the praise he inspired in us continue for generations to come. With love and sincere appreciation, The Family of Bishop Mark Kevin Reid

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