Lillian Veals Stanwood

“There’s an open gate at the end of the road, through which each must go alone; there is a light we cannot see, our Saviour claims his own. Beyond the gate our loved one finds happiness and rest, and there is comfort in the thought that a loving God knows best.”

Lillian Veals Stanwood was the fourth of 10 children born to the late Bennie and Mary Veals on March 4, 1934, in Woodville, Mississippi.

She was baptized in 1956 by the late Eli Wilson and became a member of the St. John Baptist Church #1. When the late Willie Ellis Holmes organized a choir, she became one of its faithful members. After the passing of her mother, she prayed and took her seat on the Deaconess Board where she served faithfully until she was called from labor to reward. In her leisure time, Lillian found joy in tending to her flowers and garden, nurturing each with the same love and care she so generously shared with those around her.

Lillian was united in holy matrimony to the late Edward Stanwood and to this union seven children were born. In addition to her seven children, she reared two grandchildren from birth that she loved dearly, Terrica and Terence Stanwood.

Deaconess Stanwood leaves to cherish her many fond memories; two sons, Aaron and Shawn (Dell) Stanwood of Woodville, MS; four daughters, Carrie Mae (Lionell) Roach of St. Francisville, LA, Sarah (Anthony), Kersherron, and Wanda Stanwood of Woodville, MS; five grandchildren, Terrica and Terrence Stanwood, Chandricka Roach, Keldrick and Darius Kilbourne; four great-grandchildren: C’Myriah Roach, Kamryn Williams, Khaleb Kilbourne, and Zane A. Stanwood; two brothers, Robert Veals of Woodville, MS and Roosevelt (Ollie) Veals of New Orleans, LA; three sisters: Mildred McKenzie of New Orleans, LA, Elnora and Audrey Veals of Woodville, MS; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one daughter, Cinda Stanwood, one brother, and five sisters.

Lillian leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering faith that will continue to inspire for generations. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.