Pauleen Crump Caston

Pauleen “Polly” Caston was born on October 14, 1941, in Utica, Mississippi, to Robinson Crump and Classie Mae Crump, Percy Caston Sr, Percy Jr; one grandson, Kedar; sibling Brothers: Anderson, Charlie (Anne), Limberteen, Edgar Lee (Maxine), Prentiss, George Mike, and Kenneth (Zeria), Robinson II, Larry (WillieMae); siblingSisters: Burnette Sanders and Annie Lou Mallett (Charles) of whom preceded her in death. She was one of four-teen siblings raised in a Christ-centered household, where faith, family, and music were an important part of her upbringing. At an early age, Pauleen accepted the Lord as her personal Savior. She grew up singing with her siblings, known as The Crumps, and later became part of what was known as the Family Choir under the Crump and Cooper families.

Pauleen attended Little Mount Elementary School and Utica High School. During her senior year, she married Percy L. Caston Sr., and together they relocated to Chicago, Illinois. There, Pauleen continued to build her life and pursue opportunities to provide for and care for her family. She later completed cosmetology school and earned her GED.

Professionally, Pauleen worked at Reynolds Aluminum and the Department of Human Services in Chicago. She also followed her passion for cosmetology and operated her own beauty shop. Her gift for doing hair was more than a profession—it was another way she connected with and cared for people. Her love of nurturing extended even to her plants; she had a green thumb and took great pride in helping things grow. Pauleen was also a gifted and passionate singer. She sang with the Chicago female gospel quartet, The Gospel Queens, and later became a member of Christian Valley Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Lucius Davis, where she sang in the choir. She subsequently united with Mars Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Pastor Clarence E. Stowers. At Mars Hill, she led the recorded song “Pool Pilgrim of Sorrow,” which became highly requested on Pastor Milton Brunson’s Gospel Radio Show. Through her music, Pauleen ministered to others, singing as though every song were an invitation to know the Lord.

Family was at the heart of Pauleen’s life. She was married to the late Percy L. Caston Sr., and their union was blessed with four sons. She was intentional about making sure her children were connected to the Lord through regular church activities and singing in the Junior Choir. She also worked diligently to make sure her boys received the best education possible.

Those who knew Pauleen knew her as a woman who could be counted on. She was reliable and dependable, but she was also compassionate and generous. She never turned away someone who was in need of food, clothing, or even a needed word of chastisement delivered in love. She had a heart for people and a willingness to give of herself.

And then there was Polly’s laughter.

Her laughter was infectious—a joyful expression that could brighten a room and leave an impression long after she was gone. Her warmth, humor, singing, compassion, and unmistakable personality made her presence something people will remember and cherish. She had a gift for making people feel cared for, whether through a song, a conversation, a helping hand, a plate of food, or simply the joy of being in her presence.

Pauleen demonstrated that same selflessness when she dissolved her beauty shop in Chicago and returned to Utica, Mississippi, to care for her mother, who needed around-the-clock care. That decision reflected the devotion to family that characterized so much of her life.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Wallace Conrad, Kerry Lynn, and Barrett Olando, Dorothy Jean Thomas and Demario Williams; her Grandchildren; her sister, Array Jones; her brother, Elijah Crump; including Annie Laura Crump (sister-in-law), Lucille Crump (sister-in- law), Mary Crump (sister/in-law), AC Sanders (brother -in-law) grandchildren, nieces, nephews a host of extended family members. Pauleen’s life was one of faith, family, service, music, compassion, and love. She nurtured people much as she nurtured her plants patiently, generously, and with care. Her songs may have ended, but the love she gave, the lives she touched, and that unforgettable, infectious laughter will continue to live in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.