Mandy Isabella Bynum, the beloved first child of the late James Robert Bynum Sr. and Mandy Bond Bynum, was born on
July 12, 1955, in Baltimore, MD. She departed this life peacefully on May 18, 2022.
Mandy enjoyed a magical childhood with her Mom, Dad, two brothers, sister and a large, vibrant extended family. Her
household was filled with laughter, creative activities, music, joy, and love. A very precocious child, Mandy learned to play the
piano at an early age and began dance lessons at the age of three. Her imagination and self-assurance began to emerge even as
a child when she was determined to design and build her own doll house and doll house furniture.
The Baltimore City Public School system would continue to shape her intelligence and encourage her natural curiosily.
She attended Franklin D. Roosevelt elementary school 18, one of the first racially integrated schools. There she was an
outstanding student who skipped several grades. She continued her academic success at Pimlico junior High School where she
met all the criteria required to attend Western High School. While attending Western, she participated in the drama club under
the direction of Mr. Fortunato, the junior high school teacher who introduced Mandy to the theater. Mandy completed her high
school course requirements in three years, which was a remarkable achievement.
In 1972 she began her matriculation at Villa Julie College where she majored in Theater Arts. During her tenure, Mandy
Save a critically acclaimed performance as Medea, in Euripides Greek tragedy Medea. Always finding ways to share her love of
the arts, Mandy enrolled her brothers to portray her sons in the play. She graduated suma Cum Laude from Vila ulie College n
1974. Mandy's theater arts training continued at Antioch College where she graduated in 1976.
Before completing her formal education, Mandy began what would become an illustrious coreer in theater and creative
arts. She worked with children under the Baltimore City Direcio of Public Recreation, and at the Mount Royal Recreation Center
where she taught the now famous actor Nicole Ar Parker. A few of her dance students moved on to join the Alvin Alley Dance
Theater. She was then appointed by Governor Willam Donate Schaefer 10 eze the creative Arts and Crats program at the
Cloisters Children's Museum in Lutherville, MD.
Inthe late 1970's to 1984, Mandy landed a coveted spot with The Theatre Proiect where her next two creative endeavos
would shine a light on her emerging innovation as an artist. *fine wist was the palimore Voices company Neighborhood Project
wbiere she interviewed residents including her mother and Aunt falmadeaneUncle-rrany-Bond.from these and other Baltimate
Wriges, eroup interviews, a play emerged which told the histon br matherendun rasphit was broalcasion ocal television and
landed Mandy on the cover of the popular TV guide newspaper insert.
The second Theater Project adventure was her direction of Kuumba, a group she put together of four talented local
glory. That production went on to garner national and international acclaim.
women in she conceived and performed with the group in ile-hilarious iumbler Thief ewhew when celebrated their tul-igured
Mandy's career continued with stints at Maryland public libraries, WHFS radio station in Annapolis, MD, modeling
seancies throughout the area and voice-over work for prominent California directors. Most recent). Mandy worked at Morgan
State University's WEAA radio station and Maryland Public Television, where you can still hear her voice today.
The trailblazer she was, Mandy believed in diversity and inclusion. As a result, she attracted and connected people and
experiences from all walks of life. It was not unusual for Mandy to host an impromptu gathering of dancers, drummers, actors,
singers, intellectuals, activists and the like who shared interesting conversations, inspired each other and had a great time.
A true Renaissance Woman, Mandy was a devoted Christian Scientist, lover of vintage clothing, a collector of antiques
and a jewelry connoisseur
Mandy leaves to cherish her memory; her mother, Mandy Bond Bynum; siblings James Robert Bynum Jr. (Ronnie) and
Charlotte Roberta Waters (Rodney), sister-In-law Stephanie Bynum-Dillard (Todd); nieces and nephew Alecia Bynum, Michael
Bynum and James Robert Bynum Ill (Zetoya); great nieces and nephew Janiyah Bynum, Aubri Bynum, Jaidyn Monroe, Autumn
Bynum and Sevyn Bynum, Aunts Roney Bynum, Pearl Dean and Chloe Bond, godbrother Louis Bond; godsister Monica Bond
Preceding her in death: her father, James Robert Bynum Sr.; brother John Michael Bynum. She also leaves behind a host of
extended family and friends.