To view Veronica's Homegoing Service click this link. https://vimeo.com/1044362309

In Loving Memory of Veronica Lorraine Ray June 11, 1965 – December 21, 2024

It is with heavy hearts yet profound gratitude for her life that we celebrate the beautiful legacy of Veronica Lorraine Ray. Born on June 11, 1965, in Mobile, Alabama, Veronica's journey was one marked by love, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others.

In her early years, Veronica moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she attended Mahalia Jackson Elementary School and Robeson High School. She dedicated many years of her life to serving as a caretaker for the elderly, offering kindness, patience, and dignity to those in her care.

In 2006, Veronica embarked on a new chapter in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she would meet the love of her life, Charles Ray Jr., in 2008. Their bond grew into a love story that culminated in marriage in 2019,a union built on mutual respect, joy, and deep affection.

Veronica had a passion for cooking and found immense joy in bringing people together over delicious meals. Her home was often filled with the warmth of good food, the sound of laughter, and the love of family and friends. She delighted in playing cards, chatting with loved ones, and listening to music, creating cherished memories with everyone she encountered.

Her kind and loving heart was a light to all who knew her. Veronica's presence brought comfort and joy, and her legacy of love and selflessness will forever remain in our hearts.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Melissa Viola Jackson; father, James Woodard; siblings: Archie Koen; Walter Jackson; Betty Ann Jackson and James Sammy Woodard and mother-in-law, Annie Ray.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Charles Ray Jr.; her beloved children, Shikinna Jackson and Gregory Peck; her adored grandson, Aubreon Moorlet; her loving siblings: Jackson's: Willie Jackson; Inez Jenkins; Mary Jackson and Haywood (Yolanda) Jackson, Sr. Woodard's: Will Woodard; Larry Woodard; Joanne Woodard; Dennis Ray Woodard and Evon "Peanut" Woodard along with a host of special daughters, sons, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Though she is no longer with us, Veronica's spirit lives on in the lives she touched and the love she so generously shared.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." – Psalm 34:18

May her memory be a blessing, and may her love continue to shine in our hearts forever.