Laroy Mark Edward Dyson

LaRoy Mark Edward Dyson, was the firstborn son affectionately known as Mark, of late Helen Corean Dyson and LaRoy Edward Dyson born on September 25, 1934 in Baltimore City.  He accepted Christ at an early age and was actively raised under the stewardship of his Father/Pastor, LaRoy Edward Dyson affectionately known as Apple.   Raised in Baltimore City, Dad was influenced by his Father to play the piano.  Mark formerly attended Frederick Douglass High School and shortly thereafter started working at Lutheran Hospital.  Later he enlisted in the Navy in 1953, he was oftentimes placed on the frontline on the beach to save lives during the war as well as the Hospital Corpsman.  He was skilled to perform various procedures on soldiers which included emergency treatment on military personnel injured on the field, dental treatment which included applying dental crowns and X-rays, and served as the Medical Administrator Personnel. He received recognition for the entertainment of the veterans while serving in the Armed Forces. 

Following his honorable service in the United States Navy (USN),  Daddy worked at Social Security Administration (SSA) beginning in 1956. While there he earned one the of the highest pay scales, G-14, and  reported to his chief principal who subsequently reported directly to the Vice President of the United States.  While at Social Security Administration he along with Harry Dunbar and other black colleagues formed Black Men for Justice in 1994. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is one of the most diverse agencies in the government.  In 1995, there were over 612 black current and former black male employees at the agency who filed a class action complaint with the EEOC at SSA.  These courageous gentlemen alleged and shed light on their personal experience, that black  received fewer promotions and more unsatisfactory job evaluations than warranted at SSA.  Systematic discrimination had been going on at SSA for decades.  After several appeals and requests of reconsideration on June 30, 2020, appeals at EEOC regarding class certification finally were GRANTED.  

Well known and admired at SSA Mark later retired, after forty years of service with SSA. During his retirement speech he mentioned the injustices and inequality at SSA results in injustice and inequality everywhere.  He also served at Saint Joseph Hospital Medical Center for twenty years as a Certified Phlebotomist Technician, collecting blood and non-blood specimens for testing, which can be analyzed in a clinical laboratory.  Blood tests were used to diagnose illnesses, evaluate the effectiveness of medications and determine whether a patient was receiving proper nutrition.  We believe this is why he maintained a strict diet and health regimen. After retiring from Saint Joseph Hospital Medical Center he enjoyed the fruits of his labor.

Dad served for The Congress of Racial Equality (CORE).  The Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) is an African-American civil rights organization in the United States that played a pivotal role for African Americans in the civil rights movement.  C.O.R.E. spearheaded positive influences in changing the course of events pertinent to African Americans and others of similar experiences and situations.  Dad became well known with activists and rallied with founding members like Parren J. Mitchell, Shirley Anita Chisholm, and others.  He believed that peace and economic justice were critical for human rights.  He tirelessly worked and advocated against discrimination, segregation, police brutality, voting rights and prejudice against Black Americans.  He often placed his life on the line and his family who experienced intimidation and discrimination, while contending for freedom and justice.  Being an activist made Daddy vigilant, he proactively would take different routes and detours to get home as a result of being followed, which was frequently used as a form of intimidation.  He would check to be certain bombs were not placed underneath his car before driving his vehicle.  Mark also was an active and dedicated, unashamed member of the Black Panther Organization, Nation of Islam, and Free Mason.

We remember Dad mentioning that the organization C.O.R.E. was planning a March on Mandel home and just before the march he met with a white man at a diner, who was also a member of C.O.R.E.  The guy said they “couldn’t March on Mandel’s home.” So, Dad said, “why not? we are so close.”  The guy was adamant, “you must cancel the march.” Dad said “why?” Then the man pulled his wallet out and threw it on the table.  When the wallet hit the table, it opened up and an FBI badge was revealed.  The man was an FBI agent!  He said again, “you can’t march in front of his home because Mandel is supposed to be the next Governor of Maryland and I won’t be responsible for you if you march.” Mandel was elected as Governor of Maryland on January 7, 1969, three years later.  Dad realized then that the black community had no idea how this country prepares when it comes to infiltrating Black Organizations, and if they wanted to thwart any Black Organization they could and would.  

Mark always tried to raise the consciousness of one’s enlightenment even as he got older with the likes of social media, particularly Facebook. He would post current events, and historic facts.  His posts were to ignite and invigorate critical thinking, he never posted for debates.  He continued influencing the course of African-Americans and many of his family members when they would consult him. He believed a spiritual breakthrough is the only way to connect to your higher self and experience a truly authentic life.  We are all always grateful for the time he shared with family and friends.  

Also known as a pool shark, he would go on the military bases when he knew they would get paid and hustle them, racking up.  Delighted by the game of chess he often taught his boys and others this game.  Ultimately influencing his son Jocque to go on and represent Morgan State University in a Semi-Finals Chess Tournament.  Affectionately known as "Mr. Cool”, Mark was a man of many talents and exquisite taste.  He was a real connoisseur of jazz.  He enjoyed the compositions of jazz pioneers like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Winton Marsalis, and Dizzy Gillespie.  So much so that it was forbidden to change the radio station from Jazz.  There was a time when he stopped at a gas station to pump gas and Shawn reached over the seat and changed the station and when Dad returned he asked, “who touched my radio?” From then on, it was known, you should never touch that radio!  Oftentimes, he would attend shows of accomplished jazz musicians, comedians and singers, including Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Count Basi, Redd Fox, and Billie Holiday.  His past time favorites included, heading down to the blacktop race track in his favorite four-barrel 455ci (7.5-liters) 72' Blue Cutlass.  His love for speed resulted in fast cars and many funny stories with his brother Paul, which included eluding police officers a time or two.  He and Paul made a bet to see who would get to New York City the fastest.  One day they set out and raced from Baltimore City to New York City.  As Mark tells the story he just knew he had outwitted his brother Paul and won the race... Little did he know, his brother Paul had not only beaten him to New York City, but he left the cap he was wearing to prove to Mark he had been there and was headed back to Baltimore.  Mark was formally trained by the Avengers Karate Club, which was known for winning tournaments up and down the entire East Coast.  He shared time with his boys training them in martial arts and others in the neighborhood.  He enjoyed spending time at family events and traveling.  He was truly a Ravens fan, and would express that he should not be disturbed during any Ravens games.

Mark now rests with his parents; LaRoy and Helen, brothers Paul, and Lambert, daughter Kim, granddaughter Tailia Pleasant and his beloved late wife Rebecca Dyson.  Mark leaves to cherish his memory, celebrate his life and legacy, his children; Sherry Alexander (Milton), Salina Williams (Nathan), Donnell Colbert (Marlene), Fawn Dyson (Michelle), Shawn Dyson (Kimberly), Jocque Dyson and Nijila Dyson.  Thirty-one Grandchildren, sixty-two Great Grandchildren, three Great Great Grandchildren.  His Sister Gloria Delores Gilchrist and one Brother Eric Tyrone Dyson.  A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.