Mark C. Madison

Chesapeake-With heavy hearts and loving memories, we celebrate the life of Mark Madison, who departed this earthly life on Wednesday; April 29, 2026. Born on September 7, 1961, in Wayne County, Georgia, Mark was the beloved son of the late Bertha Ailene Thomas and Jack Mickel.

At an early age, Mark’s family relocated to New York, where he attended Brooklyn Tech High School in Brooklyn, New York. Dedicated to education and personal growth, he later attended Tidewater Community College – Chesapeake Campus, where he graduated Cum Laude with a 3.5 GPA, earning an Associate’s Degree.

Immediately after high school, Mark proudly enlisted in the United States Navy in 1979, serving his country faithfully for four years. Following his military service, he worked for many years at Lombart Instruments before embarking on a career devoted to helping others. Mark passionately served in social services through youth development, nonprofit management, higher education, and advocacy work throughout the Hampton Roads community. His professional journey included impactful work with Excellence Girls Club, New Virginia Majority, and ultimately as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, from which he retired.

One of the highlights of Mark’s career and community involvement was his dedication to the arts and cultural enrichment. He served with the Southeastern Virginia Arts Association and the beloved A’fram Festival, first as Marketplace Committee Chairperson and later as Project Director for six years. Mark was also the founding Project Director for the inaugural Hampton Roads Juneteenth Festival and the Virginia Beach Soul Beach Festival, helping to create spaces that celebrated culture, unity, and community pride.

Mark was a faithful member of Gethsemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church.

Mark’s greatest passion was impacting lives, especially the lives of young people. He served as a positive role model and mentor to countless youth across Hampton Roads. For ten years, he volunteered with Chesapeake Parks and Recreation, coaching all three of his children in basketball, softball, soccer, and football. He also coached and played adult softball for many years. As a Boo Williams Summer League (BWSL) AAU coach for a decade, Mark simultaneously coached two teams, pouring his wisdom, discipline, and encouragement into the next generation.

Mark was a devoted husband, loving father, loyal friend, fierce protector, and provider. He loved his family deeply and took pride in being present in their lives. Known for his intelligence, powerful voice, and gift for speaking his mind, Mark was a natural teacher and orator who could challenge, inspire, and motivate those around him. Whether offering wisdom, sharing stories, or speaking truth, Mark always left a lasting impression.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Bertha Thomas; father, Jack Mickel; and brother, Rondall Madison.

Mark leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 33 years, Vickie Madison; his children, Mark II and wife Sarah of Parris Island, South Carolina, Aamir Madison of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Shahrazad Madison of the home; and his cherished grandson, Adonis.

He is also lovingly remembered by his siblings: Angela of the home, Marva of Georgia, Randall of Tennessee, Tanja of South Carolina, Nicole of Georgia, Philip of New York, and Elaine of Florida; his mother-in-love Shirley of the home; along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, 12 in-laws, other relatives, and many dear friends whose lives were forever touched by his presence.

Though Mark’s earthly journey has ended, his legacy of love, leadership, service, and unwavering dedication to family and community will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A service "Celebrating Mark's Life" willbe held 11:00 am Thursday; May 14, 2026 at Gethsemane Community Fellowship Church; 1317 E. Brambleton Ave.; Norfolk, VA 23504. Vieiwng will be Wednesday; May 13, 2026 from 4-6pm at Fitchett-Mann Funeral Services; 1821 E. Liberty Street; Chesapeake, VA 23324. Please keep the family in your prayers.