Veronica Longstreth

Following God’s will for me to live fully in the present has expanded my joy and made me a better instrument of God’s love.

On December 27, 1955, the most beautiful, precious, and sweet baby girl was born to Mence Lee Richardson Longstreth and Daniel Longstreth. This cherished little girl, who was christened at the Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church, was named Veronica Sophia Longstreth, “Ronnie”.

At a young age Veronica had a servant’s heart and knew she wanted to be of service to others. As she navigated through the Washington, D. C. School System, she held onto her dream to become a nurse. Her first “patients” came from her personal collection of dolls and stuffed animals. Veronica graduated from McKinley Tech High School, Class of 1973 and earned a scholarship to attend Boston College. During the summer of 1973, she proudly wore the infamous red and white uniform as a Candy Striper at a local hospital. This endeavor pushed her closer to realizing her dream of becoming a nurse. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of District of Columbia. Veronica continued her academic pursuits at Catholic University of America where she earned her Master of Science in Nursing.

Fun fact, the young Veronica loved to ride roller coasters. The grown-up Veronica loved to travel, shop, go to the casinos and pamper herself with spa days. She loved a good bargain, but pocketbooks were her weakness. Also, each pocketbook had to have a matching pair of shoes. She traveled extensively by land or sea throughout the United States and abroad. When you traveled with Veronica, you know the term “pack light,” was not a part of her vocabulary. She would have multiple suitcases and a spare fold up tote bag in her pocketbook, just in case. Veronica would put her pocketbook around her shoulder, attach the multiple suitcases together, and be on her way. One time it was suggested that she adhere to Erika Badu’s theme song: “Bag Lady, you’re going to hurt your back, dragging all those bags like that. “She just laughed and said, “I know.”

Veronica’s career was the grown-up version of the thrills she used to get from the roller coaster rides. As she advanced in the nursing administration profession, her responsibilities were steep, plenty of curves, back and forth decision making, numerous ups and down and quick turnarounds. Her last ascent was with the District of Columbia Office of Health Facilities, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA) as an Associate Director. She was a perfectionist, meticulous, and devoted to her career.

Veronica was an active member of Metropolitan A.M.E. Church. Totally devoting herself to the welfare of others, she would help her fellow church members, often monitoring blood pressure, glucose levels, and other needs. She maintained her membership and support at Turner A.M.E. Church.

Above all, Veronica loved her family starting with the love she shared with her mother, Mence. Their love for each other was priceless and they were totally devoted to each other. She also cherished the friendships she developed and maintained from childhood throughout her adult years. There was nothing Ronnie would not do for you.

On June 20, 2021, God made his final call saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servant”.

Veronica leaves to cherish wonderful memories with her 104 year old Aunt Ernestine, her beloved first cousins Andrea, Arnold, Cashus III, Debbye (Sherman), Eldredge Sr, Elvenn (Lynn), Gail (Raymond), Joy (Jerome), Martin, Natalie (Tyrone), and Robert; a host of cousins; extended family - Bishop Adam J. Richardson (Connie); Deidre Greggs (Clarence), especially Keirsten for keeping her young at heart; Joyce Campbell; Keith Bell; Francis Jennings (Edward); her confidants Robin and Gina, and special friends Beth, JC, JR, Raymond, and Sharon.