In Memory

Mark Allen Grierson - Class Of 1977

(Junior yearbook photo)

Mark Allen Grierson

July 25, 1959 - September 20, 2020

 

 

photo

Mark Allen Grierson passed away peacefully and went to Heaven surrounded by the glory of God on Sunday, the 20th of September 2020.
Mark leaves behind a legacy of faith, humility, grace, hard work and boundless generosity. All those who knew Mark, knew him as a loving husband, dotting father and grandfather, loyal friend, and endless supporter.
Mark loved family, friends, animals and even strangers. He was the businessman in the Hawaiian shirt, with a smile like your best friend, and a heart filled with Jesus.
A native Texan, Mark was born in the Baptist Memorial Hospital to Joseph "Buddy" and Vickie Grierson on the 25th of July 1959. He graduated from Westchester Senior High School in 1977 where he met lifelong friends and was known as a star player on the football team.
Mark attended Louisiana State University and played a short time for the LSU Tiger Football team. He continued to root for the Tigers throughout his life, making a tradition of attending LSU football games decked out in purple and gold.
Not long after his graduation, Mark became a partner at a leading insurance brokerage firm, Plumhoff & Associates, and continued to be a leader in the insurance business for over 35 years. Throughout his career, Mark never turned down the opportunity to help and mentor others.
While Mark loved a wide group of people, his love ran deep too. In 1996 Mark married Debra Henshaw (he always called her Dee), and the couple quickly became known for their "sparkly eyed love for each other."
Mark not only loved people, he loved animals. None more than his beloved Gertie, the little Yorkie that never left his side.
A servant leader at heart, Mark loved helping Houston and Houstonians through countless charities and causes. Mark and Debra chaired galas for the Children's Museum of Houston, the Houston Ballet, the Zoo Ball, the Trees of Hope, Legacy Community Health, the Council on Alcohol and Drugs and I Am Waters. Together they were honored by the HSPCA, the Houston Pet Set, as well as recipients of the Legacy Community Health's Jerry D. Bartee Humanitarian Award.
Mark was an active board member for Legacy Community Health and the Houston Council for Alcohol and Drugs. He was instrumental in bringing Kids Camp to The Council on Recovery and improved the lives of countless children and families in Houston. Mark also originated and chaired an AA meeting for over a decade on Saturday mornings at the Post Oak Club which was instrumental in positively impacting many lives.
Mark served the Episcopal School Dads Club and was an active member of the Lakeside Country Club. Mark served wherever he went, so much so that in 2011, he was honored by the Social Book as "a Houston Treasure" for his many charitable and philanthropic endeavors.
When it came to faith, Mark celebrated the gift of God's amazing grace daily. He was a passionate host of the Toolbox Luncheon's and lived out their motto "to move from success to significance through a relationship with Jesus Christ." He loved attending Bethel Church and he never shied away from sharing his own struggles, frequently citing the words of 2 Corinthians 12:9 "…My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness." These stories and testimonials helped countless individuals.
Mark is survived by his wife of 24 years, Debra Henshaw Grierson; his daughters, Emily Martin and her husband David; Lucy Bertsch and her husband Nathan; his mother, Vickie Schaffer Grierson; Mother-in-law, Kathy McClanahan, two grandchildren, Olivia Louise Martin and Josephine Renee Martin; brother, David Paul Grierson and his wife Lori; sister, Denise Grierson Smith and her husband Todd. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The family will gather for a private interment and will hold a larger Celebration of Life for friends potentially in the spring of 2021.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions, in Mark's name, be directed toward The Council on Recovery, Attn: Planning and Development, P.O. Box 2768, Houston, TX 77252; or to Legacy Community Health, Development Department, P.O. Box 66308, Houston, TX 77266.
Please visit Mr. Grierson's online memorial tribute page at GeoHLewis.com where memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family. Additionally, one may opt to receive updated service information by clicking on "Receive Notifications" on his tribute page.
 

Published in Houston Chronicle on Sep. 27, 2020.


09/28/20 09:31 AM #1    

Lauri L. White (Ramsey)

Although I may not have had a relationship with many '77 classmates "back in the day," its been helpful that I remember faces, classes we shared together, and personalities, with helping to plan reunions.  My kids & husband tease that I have a memory like "Rain Man" -- although these days, I don't remember what I had for dinner the night before.  Somehow I still remember each of you as a teenager.

Strangely, I had no memory of Mark in high school -- and he, none of me (which was not shocking!).  Until I was asked to be part of the planning committee for our 10 year reunion, which he & Nancy hosted in their home.  

Fast foward nearly 40 years later, and Mark called me with enthusiasm, validation, generousity and a brilliant new idea to help with our upcoming reunion.  It's not necessarily memories of our youth that I have to share with you, but his spirit of excitement for our class, his generousity, and how he made me feel as coordinator. 

Even when unable to attend our '77 reunions, Mark was an tremendous encouragement "behind the scenes" to the success of our reunions -- and to me personally.  I have been overwhelmingly appreciative -- and I will miss him.

My prayers for comfort & peace in the days ahead for his family -- and for you, his friends.  Till our reunion again one day in heaven. 

With love & appreciation,

Lauri

04/16/21 07:56 PM #2    

Tammy A. Chatham (Rehak)

Gosh where to begin to share about Mark!  Miss your smiling face and baby blue eyes!

I met Mark in high school, (I think), it may have been junior high.  What I most remember back then is he had a crush on my younger sister and he lived next door to my best bud Betsy nka Elizabeth.  

We ran in somewhat the same circles but as long as there was a party in high school, I was there and so was Mark.  What was really unique about our class was we all ran together and some of us still do!  After high school we lost touch until it was time to plan our 5 year high school reunion.  We had planning meetings at his home, where not much work got done during the meetings but a lot of talk and laughing and who is doing what, where and how was the topic of conversation.  Janet Combs, class president had her work cut out for her with this group but we got it done!


We had our 5 year reunion at the Adams Mark hotel and Mark, Peter Hanlon and I left to go to Marks office just a few blocks away.  He wanted to show us his new office digs!!  We stayed up there and watched the sun set, saw an awesome view of Houston down Westheimer, drank a little and told stories and laughed a lot!  We then realized we better get back to the reunion considering we were part of the committee!!  Ever since then Mark has always been a special part of the reunions through serving or giving which always held a special place in my heart.  Mark was big on life and lived life big!!  His heart was just as big!  Although years kept us from seeing each other, I somehow kept in touch with him and his sweet wife Debra through FB.  I lived vicariously through all their trips to Hawaii!  That made me remember how Mark always loved going to the beach!   
Although you are no longer with us on earth, I know you are watching over the gang so until we all meet again.  Rest In Peace my friend! ❤️

 


BIRTH
DEATH 20 Sep 2020 (aged 61)
BURIAL Cremated
MEMORIAL ID Find A Grave #216072958

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/216072958/mark-allen-grierson


08/06/21 10:35 PM #3    

Saralynne Moore (Balsley)

I don't have a full page of text like Lauri & Tammy, but Mark was fun & silly and made me smile & laugh! I will remember him fondly forever. I am forever sorry for his loss for his family and our schoolmates. Grierson! I can still hear it echo in the hallways of Westchester! He was one of a kind...rest in peace my friend. ❤️ 


 

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?n=mark-grierson&pid=196857323&fhid=6290