Mark Edward Shull

Mark Edward Shull, 90, of Sykesville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, at Fairhaven Retirement Community. Born on September 15, 1935, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, he was the son of the late Harry Edward Shull and Marie Carnel Meeks. Mark graduated from Harrisonburg High School before attending Virginia Tech, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1957. During his time at Virginia Tech, he was member of the Corps of Cadets, the Pershing Rifles, and a junior class senator — roles that reflected his discipline, leadership, and commitment to service. He later continued his education at Johns Hopkins University, completing a Certificate in Business Administration. Mark proudly served his country as a commissioned officer in the United States military, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. Mark devoted 37 years of his professional life to Westinghouse, where he built a respected and meaningful career marked by dedication, integrity, and quiet leadership. Music was a lifelong thread woven through Mark’s story. He began playing violin in second grade and continued through his school years, later adding drums to his repertoire in high school. His musical gifts blossomed at Bethany United Methodist Church, where he sang bass in the choir. For many years, Mark was the only bass. He performed with the touring choir group The Alleluias, directed the youth choir, and served as interim director of the Chancel Choir. He also played in the handbell choir and was known for his remarkable vocal range, including a playful and impressive falsetto soprano. His spirited performance of “The Song of Hiawatha” at a church talent show remains a cherished memory for many. He was always ready to lend his voice wherever it was needed, even supporting the sopranos during performances of Handel’s Messiah. Mark’s love of sports was equally enduring. In high school, he played quarterback on the football team and was also a member of the basketball team. As an adult, he found joy and camaraderie on the golf course, especially in retirement, when he regularly joined a close-knit group of 10+ church friends and colleagues. He was a devoted fan of Baltimore sports, especially the Orioles and the Ravens, and never quite recovered from the Colts’ departure from the city. As you would expect, his absolute passion was rooting for all the Virginia Tech teams. If a game was on, Mark was watching. Above all, Mark cherished his family. He married the love of his life, Shirley Priode Shull, in 1958, after meeting in high school and becoming engaged in 1956. Over their 58 years of marriage, they built a life grounded in love, faith, and an extraordinary sense of teamwork. Shirley was his rock and his closest companion, and together they moved through life as a true partnership: steady, joyful, and deeply connected. Music was one of the many places where their bond shone. Mark played violin while Shirley accompanied him on piano, and when he conducted the youth choir, she was the accompanist. They rang handbells together in the church bell choir, their shared rhythm reflecting the harmony of their marriage. Their teamwork extended far beyond music. They worked side by side in the church library, traveled widely throughout the United States and abroad, and poured their curiosity into genealogy, spending countless hours researching family history, often in collaboration with Shirley’s mother, Marguerite Benjamin Priode. Whether they were planning a trip, organizing a church project, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, Mark and Shirley approached life together. Their devotion to one another was unmistakable, and their partnership remains one of the most beautiful parts of Mark’s story. Mark treasured time with his extended family and delighted in attending reunions and staying connected with aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Mark had a lifelong fascination with electronics and technology. He embraced gadgets of all kinds and, even in his late eighties, was adept with his computer, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. He loved being part of the Bethany computer club and the friendly conversations that were held that had nothing to do with computers. He was an avid photographer and filmmaker, capturing family moments and church events with his 8mm and Super 8 cameras, and later recording services, choir performances, and family gatherings on his reel-to-reel equipment. Faith was the cornerstone of Mark’s life. At Bethany United Methodist Church, he served as a lay leader, trustee, co-chair of the memorial committee, and member of the pastor-parish relations committee. He also contributed his time to the building committee, church library, and annual craft fair. His service was steady, humble, heartfelt and he possessed a warm, joyful sense of humor. Mark will be remembered for his kindness, his devotion to family and faith, his love of music, and the joy he brought to everyone around him. His life was a testament to generosity, curiosity, and the quiet strength of a good man. He is survived by his son, Gregory Neel Shull (Beth); his daughter, Leslie Shull Hettenbach (Christopher); and his grandchildren, Emily Shull Love (Wyatt), Elizabeth Anne Shull, Christopher Mark Hettenbach, and Shelby Marguerite Hettenbach (Salvatore Messina); along with many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Shirley Priode Shull, older brother Carl Nelson Shull and older sister Goldie Shull Roller. We will gather to celebrate Mark’s life at Bethany United Methodist church on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Visitation 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Celebration of Life Service 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Luncheon in Fellowship Hall 12:00 PM Bethany United Methodist Church 2875 Bethany Lane, Ellicott City, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Bethany Music Ministry Please make out check/payment to “BUMC Memorial – Music Ministry” and send to the address above Or Make electronic payment through https://bethanyumc.churchcenter.com/giving Select Memorials from the Fund dropdown and then add a Memo “Music Ministry”

Mark Edward Shull

September 15, 1935 - April 2, 2026