Jevanna Nicole Abelard

Jevanna Nicole Stanciel was born on the 234th day of 1983 in Chicago, IL to Joyce Stanciel. She was affectionately known as Vonna. Vonna had a genuine and loving heart. Everywhere Vonna went, she carried her siblings in her heart as her older brother carried her. No matter what they asked, she always said yes. Vonna accepted Christ at an early age and made sure to introduced her family to him as well.

In 1995, through the friendship of 1st cousins, Fannie Grant and Joann Stanciel, Vonna  was raised on the Northside of Chicago, IL. There she obtained her elementary and high school diploma. On April 12th 2002, she mothered her first born son, Joshua. Eventually, Vonna settled in Danville, IL where she attended Danville Area Community College and obtained an Associates degree. After graduation, Vonna made a selfless decision that broke her heart. Instead of maintaining as a custodial parent, she switched positions with Joshua’s father to further her academic pursuits. In May 2011, she graduated from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale with a Bachelor's degree and finished her educational pursuits with a Master’s degree.

On 7.27 of 2012, Vonna married Kedler Abelard and to this union Kedler Junior was born. Although Vonna had prayed for a little girl, she was so amazed at how much K.J. reminded her of his big brother. On February 7th 2019, she was blessed with another son, Josiah. On January 29, 2021 God called home Vonna’s great aunt, but blessed her with the birth of her baby girl, Johanna Nicole.

On April 7th 2021, what seemed unexpectedly to those that loved her, Vonna left this earth. However, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." -Amen. 

To cherish Jevanna’s memory, she leaves behind her fiance: Luther Tate; 4 children: Joshua, Kedler, Josiah, and Johanna; a soon to be step daughter: Lanise; Mothers: Joyce (Rodrigo) and Joann; Grandmother: Lucy ; Siblings: Debra (Decameron), Nikesha (Nicholas), Tequilla, Kenneth (Toya), Jarowe, Jasma, Jerome, Juanita, Lenard (Virginia), Jessica and Robert; God daughter: Timia Scott; 37 nieces and nephews; 4 great nieces; a host of aunts, uncles and cousins;

Favorite cousins: Tanesha, Tonga and Ieasha; 2 dearly loved friends: Christopher and Rhonnie

Jevanna is preceded in death by: Great Grandparents, LB and Veora Stanciel; Grandmother, Fannie Grant; Stepfather, Horace Robinson; Best friend, Courtnie

A Celebration of Life will commence at 12:00 Noon at Leek &  Sons Funeral Home, 304 E. Williams St., Danville. Officiating Rev. Dr. Donald A. Biggs. A visitation will begin at 11:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow after at Atherton Cemetery.

COVID restrictions will be enforced.

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