Rodney Mangrum Program

RODNEY EMMETT

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF

Rodney Emmet “TIC” Mangrum Saturday, October 25, 2025 11:00 am Gethsemane Baptist Church 5405 Roanoke Avenue Newport News, VA 23605 Bishop Dwight S. Riddick, Sr. Officiating

Order of Worship Musical Prelude..................................................................Musician Processional...........................................Clergy, Family, and Friends Opening Selection........................................................................................GBC Celebration Choir Scripture Reading Old Testament........................................................................................Cynthia Mangrum-Fox New Testament...................................................................................Rev. Dr. Brenda Ferguson Prayer of Comfort...............................................................................................................Minister Musical Selection......................................................................................................Warren James Reflections.............................................................................................................Henrique Parker Carla McMannen Deacon Reginald Love Justin Mangrum Motley Mercedes Mangrum Silent Reading of the Obituary Photo Montage Acknowledgments.................................................................................Deaconess Aletheia Gardner Musical Selection........................................................................................GBC Celebration Choir Eulogy...............................................................................................Bishop Dwight S. Riddick, Sr. “We Interrupt These Plans for an Important Announcement” Matthews 25:5-7 Committal..........................................................................................Bishop Dwight S. Riddick, Sr. Closing Selection.........................................................................................GBC Celebration Choir Recessional.............................................................................................Clergy, Family and Friends

Father God we are gathered at this time to give you praise and to magnify your name. We are your children Lord, and our hearts are broken and torn into pieces at the unexpected departure of our beloved Rodney, a son, father, husband, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and co-worker. Only you know the date and time that you will bring us home. He was your son first.

You gave him everything his heart desired. He faithfully took care of his parents, completed the projects at his home, his work was going well, all systems on go. There was no stone unturned. His spiritual life reached new heights, and he found happiness and unwavering devotion to the one person he was committed to and cherished most, his Linda. Everything was in order. He was on the impending verge of a new beginning. His last words were a nightly prayer and praise to you Lord.

Although this is extremely difficult, we do not question our Lord, who is both the Author and Finisher, the Beginning and the End.

I am feeling grateful that my son did not have to suffer. His spirit is with us and I know where he is and I know I will see him again. He was loved and respected by his family and was the center of our lives and considered his niece and nephews his kids as well. He would always call me Mother Dear whenever he had time to come over and just talk about his future plans, current events, news, and just other conversations of interest.

Lord, we need your patience, your grace, and your mercy. It is going to take some of us a little more time to navigate our way back through what seems to be amazed.

Rodney was expected to arrive on this earth on September 16, 1965. He arrived on October 7, 1965, on God’s timeline. After a few months, we placed him into his wooden playpen only to discover by camera, he could jump out and then climb back in when he thought no one was looking.

Growing up, he often joined his big brother’s friends, who said he was only as big as a tick but could outrun them all. When his little sister was born, he always kept an eye on her while she was outside playing, alerting me to her actions and safety when she was out of my sight. Still a young boy, he remained dependable throughout his adulthood.

Has was an outstanding athlete in Little League through High School in football and basketball. He graduated from Bethel High School in 1985. As a former campus brat, he was excited to continue his education at Norfolk State University. Everyone also knew that he was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. He was always ready to argue about his team. His favorite pastime was watching sports on the big screen. Later, he was employed at Huntington Ingalls Newport News. Prior to his demise, he had earned 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), and Denise Mangrum Whitfield (Marcus); niece, Tanise Hicks (Tyquan); nephews, Nate and Justin Mangrum Motlley (Taliyah), Chaise Mangrum, and a host of cousins, friends, neighbors and co-workers.

“Everything was in order... every task complete, every prayer prayed, every heart touched.”

Daddy,

anyone. Whether I scored 20 points or missed every shot, you reminded me that I was a champion in your eyes. You showed me The very first moment I opened my eyes, you that showing up matters — and Daddy, you were there — strong, steady, and full of love. always showed up for me.

You gave me the name Mercedes — and though I never knew why, I wore it proudly, Thank you for the lessons — the ones you spoke with your words, and the ones you because it came from you. taught by how you lived. You showed me what it means to work hard, love deeply, To the world, you were a man of wisdom, courage, and quiet strength. But to me, you forgive freely, and walk with grace and were simply my hero — the one who carried humility. me when my legs were too small, who Your love didn’t need grand gestures. It lived protected me when the world felt too big, in the little things — the way you checked and who believed in me even when I didn’t in on me, laughed at my jokes, and made believe in myself. sure I always knew I mattered.

From the very beginning, you pushed me to be better. You always said, “Babygirl, finish Even though you’re no longer here physically, I carry you in everything I do. school.” And I did — because I wanted to Your voice still guides me. Your strength make you proud. still holds me up. And your love? It lives in From Bethel High School, to Thomas Nelson my heart — always.

Community College (now Virginia Peninsula Thank you for a love that never wavered. For Community College), to Thee Illustrious a presence that never faltered. For the Norfolk State University — I made it. I earned all my degrees. And now, I stand as a lessons that made me who I am. proud Black woman in law enforcement, serving in the Sheriff’s Department — just I promise to keep going. To keep growing. To keep making you proud — just like you like you believed I could. always knew I would.

You called me your babygirl, and I wore that name like a crown. In your arms, I was safe. No matter where life takes me, In your eyes, I saw pride. In your presence, I I will always be your babygirl. felt whole.

With all my love, Your Babygirl Merc

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“When someone you love becomes a memory...

...that memory becomes a TREASURE.”

Letters From the

HEART Don’t think of him as gone away his journey’s just begun, life holds so many facets this earth is only one.

Just think of him as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years.

Think how he must be wishing that you could know today how nothing but your sadness can really go away.

And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched… for nothing loved is ever lost and I was loved so much.

Lovingly Submitted by his brother, Eric Mangrum

Rodney, I’m missing you already. I will miss our very long talksover the years. Your genius and humble spirit, and your work ethic was nothing less than top notch. You were very happy when you left us. I am so happy that you not only found the love of your life, but God blessed you with a helpmate.

You’re even happier now in the arms of the Lord.

My heart is with you always.

“To God Be the Glory.”

Loving submitted by your “BIG” Sister Linda Seward

“Brothers share more than a bond; they share a lifetime of laughter, lessons, and love that never fades.”

Well big bro here we are. Your life has come full circle. All the long talks, the laughs and fun we had will forever be cherished in my heart, mind and soul. This is extremely hard on our family, but I take comfort in knowing you closed your chapter happy. The happiness you found with Linda was amazing and beautiful to see. Thank you Rodney for bringing Linda into our lives . You have passed the torch now and Eric, Linda, myself , and your beautiful wife to be will continue your journey . Mom and dad will be ok.

Your beautiful daughter Mercedes, I will stand in the gap and surround her with love as I know you would have done for me. I’m going to miss you immensely. I’ll carry you in my heart always and forever. Take your rest. A job well done. Love you always , your baby sister Neicy.

Pallbeares

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. The will soar on wings like eagles.

Isaiah 40:31

Justin Motley Nate Motley Chaise Mangrum Don Herbin Torian Sordelet Reginald Love

Floral Bearers Family and Friends

FLY

EAGLE FLY...

to victory Acknowledgment The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation for the many acts of kindness, love, and sympathy shown during their hour of bereavement. Thank you for your prayers, the personal visits, the telephone calls, and your warm presence during this solemn hour. May God richly bless each of you and continue to keep you in His care.