Veonia Cassie Mae Goldston Alston

Veonia Cassie Mae Goldston Alston was born on May 4, 1939, to the late Emma Alston Goldston and Rena Paul Goldston. She was called home on December 15, 2023.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Glovers Grove AME Zion Church. Veonia will lie in state from 12:00 to 1:00 P.M. Burial will follow at Chatham Memorial Park.

Veonia married Grady Thomas Alston on April 16, 1960. A native of Chatham County, N.C. she at an early age joined Glover’s Grove A.M.E. Zion Church. Later she moved her membership to Evans Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church joining her husband. She was active in her early years in the church Sunday School, choir and singing groups and the usher board.

After graduating from Chatham High School, she was pursuing a degree in Elementary Education at Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC when her studies were interrupted to accompany her husband. Later she attended Arizona State University Tempie, Arizona obtaining a degree in Dietary Nutrition. Also, she was blessed with the highly educational benefit of extensive travel with her husband.

She traveled throughout most of the United States and Europe, including Germany, France, Switzerland, Luxenburg, Holland and Austria. She was active wherever her travels took her during their military career earning qualifying certificates as an American Red Cross Volunteer, Dental and Medical Assistant, Refugee Camp Volunteer and Certified Nurses Aide from CCTC, Sanford, NC.

Among her numerous recognition and awards was one for her many hours of work with refugees in West Germany. Also, the military awarded her with commendations for highly professional work in the Dental and Medical Clinics in Korlshire, Germany. She was named the chairman of the Protestant Women of Chapel Publicity and Refugee Care.

She has completed many hours of volunteer work with the American Red Cross and in various hospitals. Her compassion and concern for others led her to share dinners with lonely soldiers during all the major holidays while the servicemen were away from home and family. Always ready to help others she fed many small children who appeared to be hungry and in need. This same attitude led her to faithfully feed and comfort families during their times of bereavement.

After she was not able to actively help others, she faithfully supported charity organizations such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, USO, Disabled American Veterans, Durham Rescue Mission, and many others.

Of course, she was known in the community for her pound cakes, coconut cakes, pineapple cakes, chocolate cakes and pies. And loving to wear a hat.

Her motto was “Let my work speak for me”. Her record on earth is now complete. It has spoken well of her.

Veonia was preceded in death by her parents Rena Paul Goldston and Emma Alston Goldston; brothers, Jimmy James Goldston and Johnny Willard Goldston; son, Kenneth Thomas Alston.

She leaves to cherish her: husband, Grady Thomas Alston of 63 years, daughter, Pamela Denise Alston; brother Charlie Monroe Goldston; foster sons, Darryl Goldston and Jonathon Brown; devoted sister-in-law, Rose Goldston; sisters-in-law, Fannie Long and Roberta Goldston; brother-in-law, Nathaniel Headen; nieces, Tammy Goldston, Melody Goldston, Priscilla Bynum (Tony); devoted niece, Cynthia Goldston, Tabitha Reed, Sheila Rhodes, Theodocia Bynum, Ariana Buselehner, and Patrica Ann Glover; nephews, Ivan Barrett, Anthony Goldston, Jamie Goldston, Steve Reives, Rev. Paul Willis Goldston, Arthur Long, Mingo Long, Aaron Long, Jerry Bynum, Henry Van Johnson, Robbie Johnson and Cliff Johnson; and her special friends Dr. Tim and Pamela Scheetz.

What is My Mother’s Name

Veonia Means to ME

V = Virtuous = caring for the needs of others that are less fortunate

E = Encouraging = gives others support and confidence

O = Open hearted = willing to listen to others and not judge

N = Nurturing = helpful to others

I = Inspirational = motivates others

A = Affectionate = Always caring for others

Moma or “Suggie” as I sometimes called you were my best friend. We always found something to laugh or talk about. You helped to shape me into the woman I am today. You stuck by me through the good and the bad times. Moma, you always made time to listen to me and encourage me to do my best. The night before you left me, we told each other we loved each other. I miss you but I know that heaven has gained an angel.

Love Always,

Pam (Babe) as you always

called me.