Veatrice Eileen Carey

“I looked over Jordan and what did I see, coming for to carry me home? A band of Angels coming after me, coming for to carry me home.”The angels came forth to carry our beloved Veatrice (Vea) Eileen Carey from labor to reward on July 13, 2002. She was the daughter of Chester Streat (deceased) and Lottie M. Streat, born on August 21, 1948 in Baltimore, Maryland.During her youth she received an early spiritual foundation based on biblical teachings at St. Paul Baptist Church where she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. Veatrice taught Sunday School and served faithfully at St. Paul until her activities were curtailed by physical limitations. Her contacts with the church, whether she was present or at home, were consistently cheerful and inspiring.Vea was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System, graduating from Western High School. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Morgan State University and pursued graduate studies at Towson State University and Coppin State College. Determined to make a difference in the lies of children, Veatrice pursued a career in education in the Baltimore City School System for 17 years. Her guidance and ability to challenge her students to be excellent in all that they did motivated them to be successful.Veatrice was united in holy matrimony with Thomas E. Carey, Jr., on April 29, 1983. This union was blessed with a son, Thomas E. Carey, III; who joined his sisters Crystal and Shaun. Thomas was the love of Vea’s life; he remained true to his marriage vows and lovingly cared for Vea during her illness. Thomas, III was the sunshine of his mother’s life; she loved him with her whole heart and her prayer was granted to attend his high school graduation in May 2002.Veatrice was a people person who loved her family and friends dearly. Although she was confined to a bed, she used her bed as “command central” and reached out and touched us with her humor, concern and love. We were always on her mind.Vea loved life and lived it with style, imagination, determination and grace. She enjoyed the finer things in life and was very generous, taking pleasure in giving and receiving gifts. Vea believed that dreams come true, if she dreamed it; she went forward and made it a reality. She traveled extensively, belonged to several social clubs, most recently “Friends.” Despite her physical limitations, Vea enjoyed many activities including reading, particularly her Bible; writing in her journal, sending personal notes of encouragement to family and friends, collecting stuffed animals, catalog shopping and receiving guest in her home. Cheering others and showing them how to handle adversity were her true callings from the Almighty.Vea leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband and son; stepdaughters, Crystal Goodman and Shaun Carey; her devoted mother, Lottie M. Streat; a brother, Godfrey A. Streat; a sister, Carolyn R. Brown; a sister-in-law, Gloria W. Streat; brothers-in-law, Terry M. Brown and Michael Carey; father-in-law Thomas E. Carey, Sr. and mother-in-law, Catherine Carey, son-in-law Jason Goodman; grandsons Justin and Kyle Goodman; a lifelong friend, Evon Jackson and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins and friends. The Lord decided that it was time for Veatrice to go home and the family takes comfort in knowing that she is now in the loving arms of the Lord.

Tributes

Veatrice Eileen Carey

August 21, 1948 - July 13, 2002