Veronica Neal

Veronica Neal went home to be with Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior on Monday, December

30, 2024. Veronica Neal, affectionately known to many as “Pat,” was born on November 17,

1949 to the late Willie James and Mamie Pearl Peeks in Macon, Georgia.

Veronica Neal graduated from West High School in Columbus, Ohio. She worked as a bus

driver for Columbus City Schools and retired in 2017 from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.

She served her community and the people in it in a multitude of ways including volunteering at

her daughter’s school.

Veronica became the family matriarch following the death of her parents. She cared for and

nurtured her 10 younger siblings and deeply loved each of them. It was in her heart to serve

them and meet their needs. Additionally, “Aunt Pat,” as she was called, supported all of her

nieces and nephews and was admired and respected by them all. She hosted many family

gatherings and was known for cooking mouth watering meals.

Veronica surrendered her life to Christ and served the Lord’s church faithfully. Even while

battling health challenges, Veronica continued to bless the Lord. She was a member of Mt.

Pisgah Baptist Church where her brother, Elder Roderick Peeks, Sr., pastors. She served as a

member of the mass choir, hospitality ministry, usher board and for many years she organized

and delighted in overseeing the annual church picnic. She inaugurated the “Dessert Bake Off”

competition which was the highlight of the picnic every year.

Veronica Neal is preceded in death by her husband, William Smith, parents Willie James and

Mamie Pearl Peeks, her brother Ralph Allen Peeks and sister Bonita Pearl Peeks. Veronica

leaves to cherish her memory, her loving daughter Leslie Jo Monk who cared for her for over a

decade; her brothers Willie Peeks, Jr., Roderick Peeks, Sr. (Kimberly), Halbert Lindsay Peeks,

and Robert Keith Peeks (Antoinette); sisters Jacqueline Richardson, Zandra Ann Key (Alfred),

Wylena McElroy (Virgil, Sr.) and Heartha Lula Nelson (Anthony); grandchildren Brent Jordan

Neal and Cerenity Ocean Monk.

She will also be remembered by a host of nieces and nephews,

church family, and beloved friends.