Obituary of Rodney Cromwell

Rodney Akeem Cromwell was affectionately known by many names: Hot-Rod, Louie R, El Vito, but most importantly- Son, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, and Friend, was a phenomenal man, and a one of a kind. He departed this life on April 7, 2022, as God saw fit for his assignment to be completed. He was born April 3, 1990. He made his grand entrance at 7:13 am and was delivered by his late cousin, Sharon Hill, in her home, at 959 South 2nd Street, Plainfield, New Jersey to Lisa Jones Motley and Leslie Howard Cromwell.

Rodney was educated through the Plainfield school system. After completing his education, he worked as Forklift Operator for various companies until venturing on to Entrepreneurship. His dedication and commitment to his family was undeniable.

Rodney enjoyed multiple sports including softball, baseball, football, and boxing. He was a bonafide Eagles fan, but his true passion was music. He went on to write a catalog of songs and was signed to Team Richmen, out of QueensBridge, NY. In 2019 he established his own label, Richmen Music Group, and released his debut mixtape “Destiny”, which can be found on all major streaming platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube, to name a few. He was a practicing Muslim and attended the ALBasheerah Islamic Center in Plainfield, New Jersey, where he practiced his faith. Above all, he had an unwavering love for his family. He enjoyed attending family functions and spending time with his mother, fathers, children, siblings, nieces and nephews, and cousins.

He will forever be remembered for his “Kool-Aid Smile” and his kind and loving heart. With a special place in all of our hearts, he leaves behind to cherish fond memories: his mother: Lisa Jones-Motley, of Piscataway, NJ; biological father: Leslie Howard Cromwell, of Plainfield, NJ; he was fortunate to have his Dad: John McDonald, of Birmingham, AL, who raised him; five children: Josai Valentin, Naveah Holliman, Sa’ Yirah Egerton, Ziah, and Zaiden Cromwell; six siblings: Patricia Jones, Kandice Jones, Fuquan Jones, Kyron Jones, Dawn Holland, and Ashley Cromwell; cousins that were raised as sisters: Priya and Ayannah Rouland; a cousin that is like a brother: Terence Ruff; nieces & nephews: Jafir, Sharif, Alhim, Kalani, Jace, Chayse, Kennedi, Jaelah, and Kamia; Aunts: Keisha Rouland, and Samantha Rouland; Uncles: Brother Kevin Jones Muhammad (Toy Jones), Fuquan Jones, Benny Rouland, and Marlan Cromwell.

He also had a few people that he held dear to his heart; his aunt: Altarica Ruff, and his uncle: Rahman Ruff; special cousins: Aliyyah, and Jasmine Ruff, Amiyah, Al-Azeez, and Asmar Thorne; special people he held dear to his heart: Aquilah Sheppard, Rebecca Ivey, and Jasmine Freeman; and a host of other family and friends.

He was predeceased by grandmothers: Patricia Jones-Rouland, Mary Cromwell, and Juanita McDonald; grandfathers: Wayne Streeter, Lawrence Cromwell, and Isaac McDonald; Father: Nathan Maurice Motley; Aunts: Brenda Cromwell and Melanie McDonald; Uncle: Douglas McDonald.