The Right Reverend

Bishop Mark L. Gilkey

"A Life of Faith, Family, and Service"

On August 19, 2025, Bishop Mark Lavoy Gilkey, beloved husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and servant leader,
transitioned from this life to his eternal reward, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, tireless service, and
deep love for God, family, and community.
Bishop Gilkey was born on May 23, 1959, to Bishop Joseph Cisro Gilkey, Sr. and Mother Gladys Yvonne Gilkey,
who reared him in a home grounded in holiness, worship, and ministry. He was one of five children: Joseph C.
Gilkey, Jr., Pamela Sue Berry, Allen Eugene Gilkey, Mark Lavoy Gilkey, and Tina Rochelle Gilkey. His early life
was characterized by strong family ties and a sense of divine calling that would shape his future in profound ways.
Having served in nearly every capacity of ministry within the local church–from Sunday School Superintendent to
Youth President, Music Director to Church Administrator–Bishop Gilkey devoted his entire life to the work of the
Lord and the service of His people. His past service and leadership on the district and jurisdictional levels included
his positions as the L.H. Ford District Superintendent, Jurisdictional Adjutant, Jurisdictional Minister of Music,
Jurisdictional Youth President, Kansas Southwest (KSW) Auxiliary in Ministry Chairman, and the KSW 2nd
Administrative Assistant under the late Bishop J. C. Gilkey, Sr. He also served as the Chancellor of the Kansas
Southwest Bible Institute. In the ecumenical sector, Bishop Gilkey served as the vice president and president of the
Greater Wichita Ministerial League. He exemplified the heart of a servant. His leadership extended beyond the local
church, impacting the district, jurisdiction, and national levels of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC).
In 1995, Bishop Gilkey founded Agape Fellowship COGIC, which merged with St. Mark COGIC in 2008 to form
St. Mark Cathedral Church of God in Christ, where he faithfully served as pastor until his transition. Under his
vision and visionary leadership, St. Mark Cathedral flourished into a vibrant ministry with more than 50 active
ministries. From his passion for worship and music to his commitment to community outreach, he led with
creativity, compassion, and conviction. Bishop Gilkey played a key role in establishing the SMC Family Life
Center, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, physical, and economic needs of
families across the Wichita Metro area. His heart for the community was as strong as his heart for the church, and
his leadership and generosity touched countless lives.
Nationally, Bishop Gilkey distinguished himself as a forward-thinking and dependable leader. He also served with
distinction in the International Music Department, recording original works with the legendary Dr. Mattie Moss
Clark. He founded the COGIC National Jurisdictional AIM Chairpersons Network and served as its coordinator for
eleven years. Later, he became the Chairman of the National AIM Advisory Committee. His devotion and leadership
acumen earned him appointments to several other national COGIC entities: National Standards & Extension
Committee, Chairman of the Men Perfecting Men Episcopal Advisory Council; National Workshop Facilitator; the
Mid-South Regional Coordinator for the International Youth Department; Mid-Central Regional Bishop's
Chairman; Advisory Board for the Board of Bishops; and, most recently, the Executive Board of COGIC Charities,
Inc. On November 9, 2014, the then Presiding Bishop, Charles E. Blake, Sr., consecrated Bishop Gilkey and installed
him as Prelate of the Kansas Southwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ. From that point
forward, Bishop Gilkey poured himself into shepherding pastors, leaders, and congregants across the
jurisdiction, leading with wisdom, humility, and vision. He believed every ministry mattered and every
person deserved his respect, attention, and unwavering support.
Over the years, Bishop Gilkey received several honors and awards, including the Bishop J. Drew Sheard National
Leadership Award (2014) and the AIM Trailblazer Award (2016), now renamed in his honor and presented annually
at the National AIM Convention.
In addition to his prolific ministry profile, Bishop Gilkey also had a successful secular career working for more than
20 years in the banking industry as a manager and officer. His academic achievements included an Associate of
Arts in Social Science from Wichita State University, a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from
Friends University, and an Honorary Doctorate from Fellowship Bible.
While ministry was his calling, Bishop Gilkey was also known for his vibrant personality and wide range of
interests. He enjoyed traveling, cooking, planning events, decorating, taking pictures, and most of all, spending time
with his family. His grandchildren, Seven Shiloh and Sovereign Rashad, were his pride and joy, and he delighted
in playing with them and showering them with love. Bishop Gilkey leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 36 years, Lady Virdena Gilkey; three loving children, Breanna Nicole Martin (Pastor Cameron), Ryan Mark Gilkey, and Ciara Chaneè Gilkey; and two precious grandchildren, Seven Shiloh Martin and Sovereign Rashad Martin. He is also survived by his brother, Pastor Allen E. Gilkey (Barbara), sister-in-law Linda Gilkey, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual children, and friends.
His church families—St. Mark Cathedral Church of God in Christ, the Kansas Southwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction,
and the entire Church of God in Christ worldwide— mourn his passing and celebrate his extraordinary life.
Bishop Gilkey was preceded in death by his parents, Bishop Joseph Cisro Gilkey, Sr, and Mother Gladys Yvonne
Gilkey; his brother, Supt. Joseph C. Gilkey, Jr., and his sisters, Pamela Sue Berry and Tina Rochelle Gilkey.
Bishop Mark L. Gilkey's life was a living testament—showing what it means to serve God with excellence, to
lead with humility, and to love without limits. We will remember and recall with fondness and sincerity his life's
creed to "Always Keep Your Heart Right". His legacy will endure through the lives of his family, the ministries
he established, and the countless souls he touched. Though he will be deeply missed, we rejoice in knowing
he has heard the words, "'Well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."