Reverend Mark Michael Stiles was born April 8, 1959, the firstborn of Joe (who preceded him in death) and Barbara Stiles, who both served as local pastors and associate members of the Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. He is the brother of Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams, Rev. Annette Stiles Pendergrass, and Joe Stiles, II. Mark is also father to Rev. Brittany Faith LeClair serving the Florida Conference as well. Mark passed away on April 11, 2022.
Mark received a call at a very young age at Christ United Methodist
Church, under the mentorship of Dr. Paul Hortin. He was 14 when he preached
his first sermon. When he was commissioned as a local pastor he served United Methodist churches in Yulee, New Smyrna Beach, and Bronson before leaving on medical disability. He grew his churches through a servant leader spirit and an avid heart for evangelism. He always wanted the congregation to see their neighbors with love and mercy, to open up their hearts and doors to all to come to meet Jesus.
Mark’s greatest pride and joy were his children, Brittany Faith Stiles LeClair (Todd), Mark Stiles Jr (Jennifer), and his grandchildren Payton, Kane, Wesley, and Kaija. He adored his children and was incredibly proud of the adults they have become and the strength of their families. He taught his grandchildren to fish, throw and catch a football, hit a baseball, love Christmas and Jesus, and passed down the legends of the Wampaskitti and croc-a-gators. He will forever be known as Grandpagator.
Mark had a wicked sense of humor and an adventurous spirit, always the leader in mischief. But he also was compassionate, carrying for the underdog and wanting to make sure everyone had what they needed. He lived by the greatest commandment from Matthew 22:37 which calls us to, “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself.” The greatest desire of his heart was to make sure others knew love, laughter, and joy, and to find love himself. He served others to help them see and know they were beloved.
Submitted by Reverend Annette Stiles Pendergrass