Mrs. Rodean Crump

Rodean Crump (Nee Austin) was born on December 15, 1936 in Kosciusko, Mississippi to the union of Wade and Ellie Austin. She was baptized as a young girl at the family church, Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. She called on Jesus all the way through until she transitioned from this life. She grew up on the family farm, coming to Milwaukee, Wisconsin after some of her older siblings got established here. When she met the love of her life, Frank, they traveled back to Mississippi, so he could ask for her hand in marriage. They were married on July 5, 1954. Soon the babies came. Close together were Marilyn, Teresa and Glenda. People often thought they were triplets because Rodean often dressed them the same! They caught a break for a few years, then came Angila and Clifton, finally getting their son. Frank and Dean were an amazing team. They were both very intelligent and hard workers. They created an amazing foundation for their children, grandchildren, other family members, and people from the communities they lived in. Together, they built their version of the American Dream. Although neither of them finished high school, they operated at high levels of achievement. Together, they bought a home, other properties, and owned a grocery store for 14 years. Mom was the accountant of the family, paying the bills and keeping the books. They were a mini-credit union to many and employed various family members. Mom was a Proverbs 31 woman, “Her children rise up and call her happy.” She was generous to a fault, always trying to help someone or give you money “to buy a sandwich.” She had two additions to her name depending on which part of her life you fell in and your relationship with her. To her brothers and nephews, she was known as “Mean” Dean. When they were put in her care, she did not take any stuff from them. Clifton nicknamed her “Queen” Dean because her standards and expectations were high and she could be high maintenance, especially when it came to making sure she had enough BEAUTIFUL Perfume, which she wore every day and would not leave you alone if she ran out, until she got some more! She was a role model as a citizen. She was very knowledgeable about politics and current issues. She always voted and insisted that we “tip” the poll worker when we rolled up to vote in the spring. Mom and Dad highly valued education, believing it to be the “great equalizer” and something no one could take from us. She was a strong proponent of justice for all the oppressed. She made sure we had high morals and values and taught us to protect ourselves and carry ourselves with dignity and respect because we represented our ancestors, our family and our people. She loved her some grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was loved and respected by all who met or knew her. She was our “Queen.” “Queen” Dean departed this life on Tuesday June 7, 2022 peacefully at home. She is preceded in death by her husband, Frank James Crump, Jr.; parents, Wade and Ellie Austin; five sisters, Rose (Earl) Winters, Earline (Percy) Lee, Flora (A.L.) Kern, Lula Bell (Ovie D.) Rogers, Emma (Alfonso) Lewis; and six brothers: Revele (Claudie), Clyde (Fronia), Washington D.C., Edward, Perkin (Osie B.), and Phillip Austin; parents -in - law, Frank (Eliza, May) J. Crump, Sr.; uncle, Charles (Jack) Crump, WWII Veteran; brothers –in-law, Raymond and Julius Crump, and Jessie Lewis. Her memory will forever be treasured by her children: Marilyn Miller, Teresa Thomas – Boyd (Fiance’ Wendale Spivery), Glenda (Carl ) Mounger – Slocum, Angila (Scott) Allen, and Clifton W. Crump;

Mrs. Rodean Crump

December 15, 1936 - June 7, 2022