Veronica Ellen Coley Raney

Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch Veronica Ellen Coley Raney was born in a converted Sunday school room in the church her father pastored in Marianna, Arkansas on September 29, 1953, prompting her brother to ask who had let a cat inside. She was the eighth in a line that would eventually become ten children. She cut her teeth on the church pews and was pressed into service at an early age, probably by threat of a “Sheleighly,” and it was discovered early on that she had a gift for music. She and her siblings sang together in various configurations throughout her young years. Her family moved to Memphis, Tennessee when she was young, and she graduated from Oakhaven High School in 1971. Veronica continued in her call to sing the Gospel as she became an adult, traveling all over the United States and independently recording several albums. She played piano and led worship at several different churches, and pastored Emmaus Community Church in Senatobia, Mississippi for several years. Her children were her great delight, and she thought they were all extraordinary. She often bragged about the special gifts each one was blessed with. She was known to let them stay home from school with her at the slightest sniffle. She prayed with them every night and raised them in the fear and the admonition of God. When her granddaughter was born, she saw the baby swaddled and declared her Gramma’s “peasnap.” That nickname stuck and became the name of the catering company she owned and operated for many years, Peasnap Catering. Veronica encouraged everyone she met, and declared that “God was about to do” His greatest work in them. She was particularly drawn to the outcast and the downtrodden, and always encouraged people, like God did Moses, to “use what’s in your hand.” She never wrote an original song to minister in public, but was known to make up ditties for her friends and family. One of her more recent releases was “I want my Christmas tree took down” and it was #1 in the hearts of her girls. Veronica loved coffee, and had a sizeable sweet tooth. Her favorite was dark chocolate. She enjoyed watching British television and movies. She appreciated many genres of music, but was partial to gospel. Many would be surprised to hear that her hair was not, in fact, naturally curly. She had it set and styled regularly for years and was always dressed and accessorized with style. Veronica attended Cornerstone Church in Southaven, and sat on the second row each Sunday. She also served in their children’s department. When she moved away to be with God on January 18, 2023, she left to cherish her legacy a host of family, friends, and fans. She was greeted at Heaven’s gates by many who had reached them before. To quote the Spinners, she was truly the premier of ladies. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Church (5998 Elmore Rd, Southaven, MS 38671). A reception will follow the service at the church. Pastor Mike Hale will officiate. In lieu of traditional flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Veronica Ellen Raney to Cornerstone Church (www.cornerstoneliving.org/give). Online condolences may be made on her Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhome.com.

Veronica Ellen Coley Raney

September 29, 1953 - January 18, 2023

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