Elder Chester B. Mangum

Elder Chester Mangum was the eighth (8th) of fifteen (15) children born to the late M. C. Mangum and the late Ora Bell Jenkins Mangum on October 12,1940 in Rankin County, Mississippi. While surrounded by family, Elder Chester Mangum was called to eternal rest on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 9:15 pm. Seven siblings preceded him in death: Carrie Mangum Moncrief, Ida Mangum Glasper, Marie Mangum Johnson, M. C. Mangum, Jr., Johnnie Mae Mangum Johnson, Edna Mangum Garner, and Pat Henry Mangum. Elder Chester Mangum received his education in the Rankin County School system. He attended Hinds Community College where he obtained his certification in Automotive Technology. After many years of working as a Lead Mechanic for Stuart C. Irby Construction Company located in Jackson, MS, Elder Chester Mangum took a leap of faith and started Mangum's Auto Repair. Elder Chester Mangum united in holy matrimony to the late Sister Dorothy Jean Amos Mangum on June 24, 1961. They became the proud parents of four children: two boys and two girls. Elder Chester Mangum joined Mt. Elam Baptist Church where he accepted Christ at an early age. As a young adult, he joined the Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A. family. While a member of Caney Creek Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A., he served as a teacher and superintendent of the Sunday school and as a deacon under the leadership of the late Elder Eddie Jones before being called by God to serve as one of his faithful servants. Prior to becoming pastor at Austin Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A., Elder Mangum served as pastor within the Church of Christ (Holiness) family in the towns of Shaw, Prentiss, and Lexington, MS. Austin grew by leaps and bounds under Elder Mangum's leadership. Austin's Sunday Worship Service expanded from two (2) Sundays to four (4) Sundays every month. Under Elder Mangum's leadership there was an increase in the number of Ordain Deacons and Trustees, as well as an increase in the church and Sunday school membership. The Austin Male Choir was his pride and joy. Elder Mangum believed nothing was impossible with God leading the way. His favorite scripture, "if God be for us, who can be against us" was a direct reflection of his immeasurable faith in the Lord. Under his leadership and with God leading the way, the choir would release a CD that would become a big hit in the region. As pastor, Elder Mangum saw many auxiliaries created which included: Austin's Van Ministry, Austin's Young Adult Choir, Austin's Young Adult Sunday School Class, and Austin's Debate Team. Moreover, under his leadership, Austin's Building Fund was started. Under Elder Mangum's leadership there was a renovation of the current church, and more importantly, blueprints for the Future Austin Church were finalized under his guidance prior to his retirement. Due to his unwavering commitment, the Deacon Board, Trustee Board, and the entire church body of Austin Church of Christ (Holiness) declared on June 21, 2015, that the future Fellowship Hall shall be named Mangum Hall, in his honor. Elder Chester Mangum leaves to cherish his memories, two daughters: Lory Mangum and Shell Mangum; two sons: Larry (Nicole) Mangum and Darrell Mangum all of Florence; eight wonderful grandchildren: Carly (Jean) Joseph, Larry 'Quinn, Kristopher Mangum, Ja Darius Mangum, Robert Clerk, Jr., Roderick Clerk, Robert Payton, and Adrianna Willen; and four great-grandchildren: Diesel Joseph, Dallas Joseph, Avion Jai Thonton, and Landon Michael Magee. He also leaves to cherish five sisters: Bessie Mangum Chancellor (Rudolph) of Florence, Clara Mangum Therrell (James) and Bonni Mangum Blackmon (Robert) of Brandon; Sue Mangum Nelson (Lee) of Pearl, and Floreece Mangum Atkins (Homer) of New Concord, Ohio; one brother: Ben Mangum of Pearl; five sisters-in-laws: Sadie Amos Mclntyre, Marjean Amos Boyd (Jame), Velma Amos, and Cecil Amos all of Florence, and Orris Mangum of Jackson, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; and his adopted family: the members of Austin Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A. for whom he loved dearly. Words cannot express how deeply the Mangum family, the members of Austin Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A., and the Florence Community will miss Elder Chester Mangum.

Elder Chester B. Mangum

October 12, 1940 - October 19, 2022