Father God we are gathered at this time to give you praise and to your name. We are your children Lord, and our hearts are broken into pieces at the unexpected departure of our beloved Rodney father, husband, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and co-worker. O know the date and time that you will bring us home. He was your You gave him everything his heart desired. He faithfully took ca parents, completed the projects at his home, his work was going systems on go. There was no stone unturned. His spiritual life rea heights, and he found happiness and unwavering devotion to the o he was committed to and cherished most, his Linda. Everything order. He was on the impending verge of a new beginning. His la were a nightly prayer and praise to you Lord. Although this is extremely difficult, we do not question our Lor both the Author and Finisher, the Beginning and the End
grateful that my son did not have to suffer. His spirit is with us and I know where h l see him again. He was loved and respected by his family and was the center of our red his niece and nephews his kids as well. He would always call me Mother Dear w to come over and just talk about his future plans, current events, news, and just othe ns of interest.
ed your patience, your grace, and your mercy. It is going to take some of us a little m gate our way back through what seems to be amazed.
expected to arrive on this earth on September 16, 1965. He arrived on October 7, 1 ne. After a few months, we placed him into his wooden playpen only to discover by c mp out and then climb back in when he thought no one was looking.
he often joined his big brother’s friends, who said he was only as big as a tick but c all. When his little sister was born, he always kept an eye on her while she was outs ting me to her actions and safety when she was out of my sight. Still a young boy, h pendable throughout his adulthood.
outstanding athlete in Little League through High School in football and basketbal om Bethel High School in 1985. As a former campus brat, he was excited to contin Norfolk State University. Everyone also knew that he was an avid fan of the Phila was always ready to argue about his team. His favorite pastime was watching spor n. Later, he was employed at Huntington Ingalls Newport News. Prior to his demis his promotion as a foreman in X36 department.
He grew up in Gethsemane Baptist Church, Newport News, under the leadership of Pastor Dwight S. Riddick, Sr. He was baptized in the early years and continued to serve Gethsemane in his adult years by keeping the church vans clean during the period of the Learning and Childcare Center.
Rodney enjoyed and loved spending time with his stepson, Walter. He experienced more joy in his life with the birth of his baby girl, Mercedes. He was so proud to show her off to family and friends. Appropriately at this time, we respectfully acknowledge their mother and the Kennard, Newsome, and Samuels families, along with other family units both near and far.
Rodney lived across the street from his parents for 30 years. Rodney’s dad watched for him all during the day. He could look out the window and see his car, but if he didn’t see the car, then he would keep inquiring of Rodney’s whereabouts. He was satisfied once he saw his car at home.
Three days before Rodney’s demise, he rode his dad out, and they went by the shipyard to see all the changes that had taken place. They enjoyed a light lunch. This was a memorable day because they always enjoyed their shipyard talks. His dad was so proud of Rodney’s achievements and progress in the Shipyard.
Rodney had many friends but was never a follower. He was his own self with some elements of being old school. He was a good citizen and just a good person. You could always depend on him. He took special care of his mother and father, making sure they had everything they needed and took them wherever they needed to go. God blessed him with a Godfearing woman, Linda, in his and our lives. She is already my Ruth and I am her Naomi. With her by his side, Rodney’s relationship with the Lord grew immensely and they were planning to spend the rest of their lives together.
Rodney leaves to cherish his memory, his mother and father, Leroy and Doris Mangrum; his bride, Linda Crump; his daughter, Mercedes Mangrum (Ariel); his stepson, Walter Jones; his brother, Eric Mangrum; his sisters, Linda Seward (Jeffrey) Hicks (Tyquan); nephews, Nate and Justin M of cousins, friends, neighbors and co-workers.
“Everythingwasinorder... everytaskcomplete,everyprayerprayed, everyhearttouched.”
Daddy,
The very first moment I opened my eyes, you were there strong, steady, and full of love. You gave me the name Mercedes and though I never knew why, I wore it proudly, because it came from you.
To the world, you were a man of wisdom, courage, and quiet strength. But to me, you were simply my hero the one who carried me when my legs were too small, who protected me when the world felt too big, and who believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.
From the very beginning, you pushed me to be better. You always said, “Babygirl, finish school.” And I did because I wanted to make you proud.
From Bethel High School, to Thomas Nelson Community College (now Virginia Peninsula Community College), to Thee Illustrious Norfolk State University — I made it. I earned all my degrees. And now, I stand as a proud Black woman in law enforcement, serving in the Sheriff’s Department — just like you believed I could.
You called me your babygirl, and I wore that name like a crown. In your arms, I was safe. In your eyes, I saw pride. In your presence, I felt whole.
anyone. Whether I scored 20 points or missed every shot, you reminded me that I was a champion in your eyes. You showed me that showing up matters — and Daddy, you always showed up for me.
Thank you for the lessons — the ones you spoke with your words, and the ones you taught by how you lived. You showed me what it means to work hard, love deeply, forgive freely, and walk with grace and humility.
Your love didn’t need grand gestures. It lived in the little things — the way you checked in on me, laughed at my jokes, and made sure I always knew I mattered.
Even though you ’ re no longer here physically, I carry you in everything I do. Your voice still guides me. Your strength still holds me up. And your love? It lives in my heart always.
Thank you for a love that never wavered. For a presence that never faltered. For the lessons that made me who I am.
I promise to keep going. To keep growing. To keep making you proud just like you always knew I would.
No matter where life takes me, I will always be your babygirl.
With all my love, Your Babygirl Merc
“The One HE KEPT FOR ME, until it was time”
Rodney, MissingyoudoesnotcomeanywhereclosetowhatI’mfeeling. ThelovewesharedwasaloveI’veneverexperiencedbefore withanyoneelse.Weweresoexcitedaboutourweddingday, andIlookedforwardtospendingtherestofmydaysonEarth withyou.Yet,Godhadotherplansforyou.Hereceivedyouinto paradiseontheeveofourbigday.Icouldn’tbelievethatGod wouldletthishappen.Onthedayoftraumaanddevastation,of whatseemedlikemyworldwasonceagainbeingshattered,it turnedintoadayofpraise,worship,andthanksgiving.Iloved youRodneyMangrum,withthatagapekindoflove.AGod centeredlove,whatwesharedoverthelastfouryearswas absolutelynothingshortofamazing.Youweremyrideordie, mybestfriend,myconfidant,prayerpartner,andmyprotecto Youweremysafeplace.I’mgoingtomissplayingboardgame withyou,spadays,movienights,andnottomentiondressin upandwatchingtheEaglesgames.Youcookedformeon ndays,whilefriendsandfamilywereover,toeatthatgoo kenthatyouwereknownfor. ethatweturnedintoabeautifulhome.Youalwa marriagewasordainedinHeaven,weevenrepea wstoeachother.So,myloveonwhatwastobeou ngday,Iworeyourring,andmybride’sT-shirt.Th stillgatheredatourfavoriterestaurant,Parklan edtocelebrateourlove.Welaughed,wecried,w other,andweprayedtogether.Youwereanawesom honoredyourparentsinwords,anddefinitelyinde rmomisnowmyNaomi,andIherRuth, i e erherandholdhercloseasyoudid.Resti erewill“neverbeanotheryouforme ” m eces;youpassedinm armsandintothe Nevertheless,evenin God yo life,andIknowit’llco meetagain,Iwillalw Forever,yourbride
“Whensomeoneyoulove becomesamemory...
