Mr. John West, jr. was born into time on August 22, 1926 to the proud parents of Mr. John West, Sr. and Mrs. Hannah Battle West of Homewood, Alabama. On Monday morning, November 13, 2006, at the Huntsville Hospital, he transitioned from this earthly life to his eternal home in heaven. He was an only child who parents preceded him in death.
John accepted the Lord into his heart in the early 90’s and joined the Owens Chapel Missionary Baptist church under the leadership of Reverend Wallace D. Steele. He was a regular attendee in Sunday school, Sunday Worship Service and Bible Study and he served faithfully on the Usher Board until his health began to decline. He loved the Lord and he loved the fellowship of the saints and he believed in the power of prayer. He would often pray until he got happy and then he would have to call and tell somebody about his experience with the Lord and how good He was to him. One of his greatest joys was standing as a “Doorkeeper” in the house of the Lord and one of his favorite spiritual hymns was “Soon I will be done With the Troubles of This World.” He loved Mahalia Jackson and often desired to sing that song in the church.
John was an avid reader and kept up with all of the current events. He received most of his formal education in the Jefferson County School System. He attended the Rosedale High School in Birmingham, Alabama and the Garfield High School in Akron, Ohio.
John was a dedicated and committed employee of the Alabama A & M University where he retired after thirty years of service with commendations for his loyalty, excellence and expertise. He was also a former employee of the Nelms Memorial Funeral Home.
John had a very humorous side and often liked to tease and joke with friends and family. Many times when he would call, he would never be just “John” he would sometimes be the President, Pastor, Governor or someone else of significance. He hand many of us wearing different hats at different times as well. At times some of us were Mahalia Jackson and some of us were Diana Ross, but we never ended a conversation with him without having a good hearty laugh. John was also a meticulous housekeeper and a good friend to many. He was truly a delightful person and will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
John leaves to cherish his precious memories: A cousin: Mrs. Harriett Thomas of Ensley, Alabama and a devoted and dedicated caregiver: Deacon Sidney J. Lacey, Sr. (Doris) of Huntsville, Alabama. Four special friends who shred in his care; Mrs. Betty A Moore, Mrs. Eather Moore, Mrs. Margaret Lightfoot and Miss Tiffany N. Lacey all of Huntsville, Alabama, a loving church family and a host of friends.
Funeral services for Mr. John West, Jr. will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2006 from the Owens Chapel M. B. Church with Reverend Dr. H. Wendell Thompson, Sr. officiating. Interment will be in Glenwood Cemetery.