Martha Jane Veal

Martha Jane Veal was born April 25, 1930, and left her home in West Palm Beach, Florida for her heavenly home on Sunday, November 24, 2024. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Deepstep Community Church with interment to follow in the church cemetery.

She was born in Deepstep, Georgia to Robert Frank Veal and Annie-Belle Andrews Veal.  Jane was the baby of twelve children and grew up on farm, living a very simple life in a loving family that worked hard and feared God.  She belonged to Deepstep United Methodist Church, attended Deepstep Elementary and Sandersville High School.  After graduating from Young Harris College, in 1950, she was married 62 years to the love of her life Eugene (Gene) Veal.  She is preceded in death by her husband Gene and her son David Veal (2021) and her oldest grandchild Meg Metzger (2024).  Jane is survived by her children, Franklin (Lori Veal), Beverly (Dan) Bonner, grandchildren Sandy (Chad) Dorsey, Lauren (Jared Pitts), Wes (Lauren) Bonner and Eric Veal.  Additionally, she has 11 great grandchildren—Carson Burrell, Rilla Metzger, Addie Dorsey, Dean Dorsey, Owen Dorsey, Eden Jane Dorsey, Harper Pitts, Gaines Pitts, Ella Bonner, Preston Bonner and Calvin Bonner.

Jane and Gene knew each other as children and never had eyes for anyone else.  They were a team from the very beginning.  Throughout their married life, she partnered in every venture from the local Magnolia Creamery retail shop for his dairy business to the Tree House Gallery family business. While raising their family, she was seat-side when he pulled people skiing, she was his fishing buddy, and card-playing partner.

She was truly a Southern lady who feared God, respected her husband and loved family--- she was a homemaker and found joy in serving her family and friends.  She spent her time having fun, but it always came after the work was done. When her family was all at home, there was hardly a Sunday that she did not “fry up” chicken after church. Being full of hospitality, she always left the door open! Their home was a revolving door not only for relatives, but also for all of the friends the kids brought home from high school and college--and it always included a home-cooked spread.

Over the years they lived in Georgia and Tennessee, but in her last 10 years she made her home in West Palm Beach.  She quickly found community with friends in Family Church as well as her neighbors. She was known to all as Mama Jane and if you knew her you loved her. There was hardly ever a conversation about her that someone did not say, "She is so sweet."  She was extremely social and did not want to miss anything.  From her early days of Bridge and Canasta to the latter days of Rummykub, she was always eager for friends to come over to play---but watch out, she was competitive and loved to report her wins!

She was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  The kids in the family always brought her great joy.  She loved being in their lives whether it was watching their sports, hearing about their accomplishments or challenging them in Go Fish and Rummykub.  She loved the Lord and had a simple faith with purity of heart. Her humble example of fearing God, loving Him and serving others is an example for all.  She has left a huge hole in our hearts, but her faith in Jesus and love for family is a testimony to all.

Condolences can be made online at www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com. May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.