Bernard Crump

Bernard Crump was born in Amory, Mississippi, but lived for most of his life in Oktibbeha County.  He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Tuskegee University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Atlanta’s Gammon Theological Seminary. In 1974, he was appointed the Superintendent of the Starkville District in the North Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church, and was the first African American to serve in that position. He managed 107 churches and 52 pastors. In 1984, he was elected Justice Court Judge in District 2 of Oktibbeha County and was reelected for 8 terms. Bernard Crump was known for his fairness in upholding and applying the law as Justice Court Judge. In addition, he was considered a very caring and kind person as pastor and judge. Through his example, he greatly influenced many citizens of Oktibbeha County as Judge and from the pulpit.