CONYERS – Brother Mark (Emmett P.) Crow, OCSO, a monk of the Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit at Conyers died Dec. 14 while his fellow monks were singing vespers.

Brother Mark, 79, was born Sept 9, 1915 in DeKalb County, Ala. He served several enlistments in the Navy, during which time he converted to Catholicism. He was honorably discharged in 1945.

He entered the community at Conyers on Oct. 7, 1952 as a lay brother. He was confirmed at Conyers by the late Bishop Francis Hyland on Jan. 25, 1953 and made his solemn profession of vows Easter Sunday, April 10, 1955.

According to Dom Bernard Johnson, OCSO, Brother Mark worked in many occupations in the monastery, especially as a cook at the guest house, where, the abbot said, “His quiet ways impressed many visitors.”

He was bed-ridden for the last two and a half years, requiring 24-hour care from his fellow monks.

“He received the loving care of all the brothers,” Abbot Johnson said, “who loved him as a very good and humble brother, a man of simple and beautiful faith with a wonderful sense of humor. His presence in our infirmary was a blessing for all in the community.”

The funeral Mass was celebrated at the abbey church the morning of Dec. 16. According to the custom for those who have served in the military, the United States flag was presented to the abbot during the burial in the monastic cemetery.