Velma West

VELMA T. WEST, affectionately known as “Bell” by her family, was born on November 30, 1921 to Robert and Ola Howard in the great State of Louisiana, where she also received her formal education.  She accepted Christ at an early age.

In 1939, Velma united in Holy Matrimony with her childhood sweetheart, Leroy West.  Their union was blessed with nine children.  During the early 1940s, the family moved to San Diego, California.

 Velma was very hard-working and had strong work ethics. She was employed as a housekeeper for numerous years.  Shortly after arriving to San Diego, Velma and her family united with the Macedonia Baptist Church under the leadership of the Reverend Julius R. Bennett.

On May 30, 2002, after sixty-four years of marriage, Velma’s beloved husband, Leroy was called home to glory to be with the Lord. This was a very difficult time for Velma, yet she continued to press on with valued strength from her Lord.

Velma was a God fearing woman, an amazing, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and the best friend one could ever have. She loved her family unconditionally, and they dearly loved her. She raised her children and grandchildren to be strong and respectful with morals and values. She was a strong influence and example to her daughters, grand-granddaughters, nieces and many others young ladies on how a lady should carry herself. She also taught and showed them how to care for their children, be good wives, keeping their house in order and clean and to be presentable at all times.  She was also an excellent cook and an extraordinary baker. She was known by her family, as their personal “Betty Crocker”.  Her pound cakes, lemon meringue pies, upside-down pineapple cakes and her world famous collard greens were simply something to die for. She will be greatly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy; her four sons, John Edward West, Argee West, Leroy James West Jr. and Ralph West; three daughters, Margaret Jordan, Elaine West; and Peggy West and both of her parents.

On Saturday, January 13, 2018, after ninety-six years of laboring in the vineyard, Velma T. West was called from earthly labor to eternal rest. She leaves to cherish her memory: two loving sons, AC West and Gari West; her sister-in-law, Essie Howard; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.