With great love and cherished memories, we celebrate the life of our beloved family matriarch, Vonceil Massengill, also known as Moma, MeMaw, Grandma, Granny, Von, Ms. Massengill, Sis. Massengill, Moma Massengill, Aunt Von. Vonceil peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on September 30, 2024. Born on May 17, in Mobile, Alabama, to the late Jesse Burke Grice and Florence Watson, Vonceil lived a long and fulfilling life rooted in faith, family, and love.

At a young age, Vonceil moved to Akron, Ohio, where she graduated from South High School. She and her late husband Gerald Massengill raised three girls Mignon, Lisa and Candace. Vonceil was a devoted mother and grandmother who found great joy in nurturing and caring for her family. She held on to cherished family traditions and always spent Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve with family. She made sure that her grandchildren knew the true and living God, whether she would take them to Sunday School, Worship service, Vacation Bible School or shared the Word one on one or group settings. Working as a dedicated nursing assistant at the Brecksville VA Hospital for 30 years before retiring in 1993, Vonceil was known for her unwavering commitment, compassion, and service.

Her most significant work was as a soldier in the Army of the Lord. Her daughter Lisa lovingly refers to her as a “5-star general” in the faith— she was indeed a true prayer warrior whose devotion to God was evident in every aspect of her life. Vonceil accepted Christ at a young age and was a founding member of New Trinity Missionary Baptist Church. She served God faithfully for many years, especially through her work with the Mission Society, which was formed to serve the needs of the community. She would serve as president of the Mission Society until December 2024, showing tireless dedication to the ministry that was so near and dear to her heart. She loved her church family and spent most Tuesdays at Mission and rarely missed a Sunday. Vonceil sang with the Patterson Park Choir for several years traveling to nursing homes and other events and many times could be found humming a tune. Vonceil found joy in her Bible studies, which became a source of strength and fellowship during the COVID pandemic, as she studied God’s word with two dear women of faith.

Known for her honesty, wit, and wisdom, she often imparted life lessons by simply saying, “Just keep on living.” Those who knew her admired her loving, sassy, and funny charm.

Vonceil loved shopping, particularly at Macy’s, where she could often be found browsing the aisles for hours. Her passion for the store was so endearing that we named her 3-year-old Cavapoo “Macy,” a playful nod to her favorite pastime. Her favorite food was ‘dessert.’ She was always skimping on dinner to eat dessert. In fact, she would rather eat sweets than anything else. When she did not have anything sweet (homemade) to eat she would go in the kitchen and put together what she called “Sweet Bread”. She was truly one of a kind and she never let Father Time slow her down. She would always say to those who tried to assist, “I got it”, I’m good”, and I’m going to do it as long as I can. She did it her way. She did it God’s way. Well done!

Preceded in death by her parents; late husband, Gerald; brothers, James Grice and William Grice; sister, Vickie Hayes; and granddaughter, Rochelle Cash. She leaves to cherish her memory her three devoted daughters: Mignon (Reese) Miller of Akron, Ohio, Lisa Morris of Columbus, Ohio, and Candace (Jeff) Thomas of Akron. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, sisters Deborah (Harley) Beasley of McCandless, Pennsylvania and Jade Grice-Turk of Prichard, Alabama, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and dear friends.

Moma was a shining example of God’s unconditional love, touching countless lives with her kindness, generosity, and faith. Though we mourn the loss of her physical presence, we celebrate the longevity, the legacy of love, service, and devotion. We are forever grateful for the love and time we shared with our Moma and will carry her memory in our hearts until we meet again. Goodnight, Moma.