Donna Michelle Veal

Mrs. Donna Michelle (Pearson) Veal, 62, of the Indian Orchard section of Springfield, died early Sunday morning, March 2, 2025 at Baystate Medical Center. She was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, a daughter to Mary (Pearson) Johnson of Springfield, and the late James Martin Sr. Donna came to Springfield in 1975, attended Chestnut Middle School, Tech High School, and S.T.C.C. Her passion was helping others. That is why her choice of work for 10 years was working with children. Then she transitioned to the adult foster care and shared living program. She became a team member with the best coworkers EVER. Donna was very devoted to her job until she could not give her all anymore due to medical issues.
Donna loved her grandchildren, David Johnson Jr., Amaria Grimes, Chase Johnson, Solar Smith, Kaleeya Grimes, and Lyric Smith. They meant more than anything else in life to her. She revolved her life around them. She made sure her house was kid-friendly because she always had them over, plus extra kids who also called her Nana.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her loving husband of nine years, Eddie O. Veal of Springfield, who meant the world to her. She couldnt have asked for a better husband. He did everything for her up until the end. She also leaves her children, James W. Smith Jr. of Lawrence, MA, David "Dyron" Johnson and his fiance Brenda of West Palm Beach, FL, Mary "Myna" Smith of Springfield, MA; her mother, Mary Johnson; her sisters, Debra Washington (Brian), Diana "Deanie" Johnson (Tiffany), Donita Johnson, Akeshia Renee Martin of Newport News, VA, Angelia "Angie" Martin of Dumfries, VA, and Sharon Weakly (Robert); one brother, James E. Martin Jr.; her dear aunt, Cynthia Johnson; a host of nieces and nephews, and three besties, Lisa Bobbitt, Ethelda "Thellie" Emery, and Catherine "Weena" Smith. She was predeceased by her father and stepmother, James and Evalina Martin, her sisters, Demertis and Denise Johnson, her cousin, Carolyn Pearson Thompson, and her niece, Kaleema Cordell.
Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, March 11th with calling hours beginning from 9-11 AM, followed by a funeral home service at 11:00 AM at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, with burial to follow at Hillcrest Park Cemetery, 895 Parker Street, all in Springfield.
At her families request, all expressions of floral tributes kindly be sent to the funeral home only.
Services
Calling Hours
Tuesday
March 11, 2025
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center
1858 Allen Street
Springfield, MA 01118
Funeral Service
Tuesday
March 11, 2025
11:00 AM
Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center
1858 Allen Street
Springfield, MA 01118
Burial to Follow
Hillcrest Park Cemetery
895 Parker Street
Springfield, MA 01129