Celebrating the Life of our Queen
Sunrise
May 20, 1964
Sunset
August 9, 2021
Stacy Rose (Steward) Veal was born May 20, 1964 in Chicago, IL to Lettie May Holder and Mc’Kinley Steward. After losing her mother at an early age (11), Stacy was taken in by her only sister, Lettie Jean Keller, who was 18 years older than her. Because of their age difference, Stacy was raised alongside her nieces and nephews as their sibling. Stacy attended Carl Schurz School, and later attended Cannella School of Hair Design where she received her Certificate of Cosmetology. Stacy dedicated her life to Christ in 1991. She and her two sons, Dajuan and Kyle, became members of Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Pastor Autry Perry Sr. Stacy served faithfully in the church, lending her incredible voice to the district and jurisdictional choirs. She also worked with the youth department alongside her aunt, Evangelist Ribbon Holder. Stacy had a heart for ministry and people. You would always find her serving in some capacity of ministry. Rather directing the choir, leading a song, or letting out a holler from the pews, she always gave her all. It was in that place that she met the love of her life Jerome Veal Sr. It didn’t take long for them to say, “I DO”. After just 3 months of puppy love, they were joined together in Holy Matrimony. From their union she gained a son, Jerome (Sharky) Sharp, and together they had two sons, Elijah Jay Veal and Jerome Veal Jr. Although Stacy never had the daughter she always wanted, along came one of many of her goddaughters Johnise Herndon, who she took in at an early age. God led the Veal family to the Redeem Church of God in Christ in 1999, under the leadership of Administrative Assistant Eugene Fears Jr. She served faithfully in the choir and was soon appointed Vice President. Stacy also served on the Nurses Board for many years. She was afforded the opportunity to record with the Redeem Voices of Victory on their debut album in 2004. She featured as the lead vocalist on the hit song, “Hold On and Don’t Give Up”. Stacy was employed by the YMCA for over 15 years. During her time at the Y, she worked as a Camp Counselor, Camp Director, Bus Driver, Basketball Lead Coordinator, Before and After School Care, and a variety of other areas. Stacy was blessed with many gifts including but not limited to; cooking, coordinating weddings, styling hair, interior decorating, event planning, and of course a voice like no other. Stacy was the life of the party and she cherished family time. Stacy had a way of making everyone she met feel that their relationship with her was a special one. She had a true heart of gold, and to know her is to love her. Stacy departed this life on Monday, August 9, 2021, with her family by her side. Stacy was preceded in death by her parents, McKinley Steward and Lettie Mae Holder; sister, Lettie Jean; and nephew / brother, Keenan Keller. Stacy leaves to cherish her loving memory her husband, Jerome (JAY) Veal Sr., four sons; Jerome (Sharky) Sharp, Dajuan Lacking, Kyle McKendly, Elijah (Taylor) Veal, Jerome (Destinee) Veal Jr.; five siblings, Andrew Tate, Javanti Smith, Bryan (Ann) Keller, Tamiko (Randy) Keller and Rhonda Keller; A loving mother in-law Isabell Simmons ; in-laws; eleven grandkids, loving godchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends who were very dear to her.
Order of Service Saturday, August 21, 2021
Visitation - 10:00AM | Celebration of Life - 11:00AM
All Nations COGIC 503 S. Water Street | Joliet, IL 60433 Adm. Asst. Eugene Fears Jr, Officiating Elder Dwayne Barefield, Host Pastor
Processional Family Musical Selection “There’s Power in His Name” Scripture Reading Old Testament Elder Kevin Parker New Testament Elder Rodney Parker, Sr. Prayer Elder Maurice Fears, Sr. Musical Selection “Oh What Love” Acknowledgement & Resolutions Sister Rikeita Harris Poem Sister Kimberly Parker Musical Selection “Stand Still” Remarks Please limit to 2 minutes Life Reflections Read Silently Musical Selection “Running Up the Kings Highway” Words of Comfort Pastor Eugene Fears, Jr. Musical Selection “Hold On Don’t Give Up” Benediction
Interment
Elmhurst Cemetery 1212 E. Washington Street Joliet, IL 60433
Jerome Sharp Kyle Williams Jerome Veal
Pallbearers
Dajuan Lacking Elijah Veal Javanti Smith
Honorary Pallbearers Devin Triplet Domique Hogan Darius Webb
Bryan Keller, Jr.
Daniel Hogan Allan Mcgaha Jacob Keller
Honorary Flowerbearers Janae Dunn Wanda Keller Johnise Herndon Kiarra Sherrod Shannon Wright
Alexa Keller Francis Herndon Kimberly Parker Dellanise Wright Samaria Gray
Acknowledgement of Thanks Words cannot express our deep gratitude and appreciation for all expressions of kindness and sympathy shown to our family during these recent days. Your prayers, gifts, flowers, and visits have helped us through this time and will brighten our lives in the days to come. We thank you all.