A community pays respect

In a neighborhood bombarded with negativity, the positives stand out just a little bit more.

That’s why Malcolm Crump Jr. made such an impression on his Point Breeze neighbors.

Despite being ill and dependent on dialysis, the former tailor and graphic designer did whatever odd jobs he could to help his community, never asking for payment. When he died April 5 at the age of 43, his friends and neighbors were moved to show their appreciation.

Because Crump had few relatives and no insurance, it looked as if he would not have a funeral service. His other family — his neighbors — then stepped in to ensure he would be properly memorialized.

Community members donated flowers and other items to give Crump a service last Thursday at Greater Mount Sinai Baptist Church, 1228 S. 21st St.

One of his friends, Valarie James, said the ceremony provided Point Breeze a chance to unite for a good cause.

"Since the community has gotten such a bad rap with drugs and the murder scene, when he passed away, the community wanted to give away their time because he was one of our own," she said.

Susan Coles, another friend of Crump, wrote the obituary that was distributed at the memorial.

"Malcolm took great pride when it came to washing everybody’s car," she wrote. "People would come from near and far looking for him."

Crump had a "Cadillac on two wheels" — a bike that toted his bucket and rags, according to Coles. "He found his own water and had his own solutions. (We never knew what was in that bucket.)"

After he was done his job, Coles wrote, "Malcolm would go on his way … He didn’t hang around waiting to get paid."

Crump was not only the neighborhood’s unofficial car washer, he also lent his experience in skilled trades such as graphic design and detailing cars.

"He took care of everyone and did anything that was needed," James said.

"He was a handyman special," Coles added, "fixing anything that needed to be done from a leaky roof to an unhinged door. He was fantastic."

The Marine Corps veteran, whom neighbors affectionately called "Tez," had a way of bringing everyone together, his friends said.

"We couldn’t bear to have him pass on without giving him a service," James said. "We wanted to give him a proper home-going, which is what he deserved."

After a moving liturgy and eulogy performed by the Rev. John Brown and Pastor Charles Ray Coleman, the guests moved on to Vashay’s Salon, 1229 S. 21st St., for some refreshments. Crump used to visit the salon, which James owns.

His friends believe Crump, who lived in Point Breeze for the last 20 years, would have enjoyed seeing how much people cared for him.

"We wanted to attribute the ceremony to his life, his kindness to others and his humbleness," Coles said. "I just wished Malcolm would have been able to see the beautiful liturgy."