Veronica Mingo

Veronica Damita Mingo gained her wings at her home in Burtonsville, Maryland, on February 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 50. Veronica, affectionately known as “Moochie,” was born on July 25, 1975, at the District of Columbia General Hospital to Robert and the late Creola (Mingo) Strain. From her early days at Kimball Elementary School in Southeast Washington, D.C., to her time at William Wirt Middle School in Riverdale, Md., Veronica approached life with curiosity, joy, and a playful spirit. She continued her studies at Bladensburg High School in Bladensburg, Md., and DuVal High School in Lanham, Md., carrying her gentle nature and love of fun every step of the way. Growing up and into adulthood, she loved watching Strawberry Shortcake and playing classic video games, especially Ms. Pac-Man. Veronica was a devoted wife and nurturing mother. She married her dedicated husband, Anthony Smith, whom she met in high school. Together, they welcomed three beautiful children: one daughter, Alexia, and two sons, Deondre and Jeremiah. She loved traveling, listening to music, and dancing, with her favorite artist being Janet Jackson, whom she was thrilled to see in concert in 2025. Veronica adored her shoes, always taking time to coordinate them with her outfits. Veronica’s life was rooted in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area, moving through several communities that shaped her along the way. Eventually, she and her husband made their home in Burtonsville, Maryland, where they raised their children and built a life full of love, warmth, and laughter. She cherished going out to eat with her husband and had a particular love of seafood—especially crabs. Ice cream outings were a special treat, with her favorite flavor being butter pecan. She was also a devoted fan of the Washington Redskins, and she and Anthony enjoyed cheering on their team with enthusiasm. A driven and hardworking woman, Veronica always provided for her family while touching the lives of those around her. She was a caring and valued member of her community, bringing kindness and dedication to everything she did. She worked at Ourisman Chrysler in Clarksville, Md., before concluding her extensive retail career at Harris Teeter in Olney, Md., where she happily served for 11 years as a Health and Beauty Cosmetic Consultant. Throughout her career, Veronica formed meaningful connections with colleagues who became lifelong friends, leaving a lasting impression with her warmth, generosity, and quiet strength. Veronica had a soft voice that invited others to lean in, and her sweet giggle was the exclamation point to her kindness. She loved to laugh and, above all, spend time with her family. She enjoyed snuggling up with a comfy blanket while talking to her husband, Anthony; playing a heated family game of UNO; spending hours on the phone with her sister, Shantel; eating ice cream cones with her grandchildren; and sharing heartfelt stories with her son, Jeremiah, on their drive to school every morning. Veronica is welcomed into eternal rest by her late mother, Creola Mingo; her beloved nieces, Keona Janea Johnson and Skye Elizabeth Palmer, whom she loved and missed deeply. Veronica’s spirit continues through the love of her life and husband, Anthony Smith; her three children, Alexia Mingo-Smith (Bryan), Deondre Mingo-Smith (Lissett), and Jeremiah Mingo-Smith; two grandchildren, Gianna Nuñez Mingo-Smith and Josiah Nuñez Mingo-Smith; her father, Robert Strain; her sister, Shantel Mingo (Michael); and her brother, Keith Johnson (Shawnte’). She is also lovingly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, co-workers, and friends who she loved and cherished dearly. We will miss Veronica very much. Though she now rests in eternal peace, we find comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her late mother, Creola Mingo, whom she missed beyond words. Veronica loved and found extraordinary joy in butterflies and often adorned herself with elegant butterfly jewelry. Should a butterfly find its way to you, may it be a gentle reminder that Veronica’s beautiful spirit lives on.

Tributes

Veronica Mingo

July 25, 1975 - February 9, 2026