Alphonso West

WEST A FUNERAL SERVICE celebrating the life of Mr. Alphonso West, 89, well known businessman, will be held 10AM, Friday, September 24, 2010 at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, where he held membership, 215 Bethel Baptist St., with Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Sr. and Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr., Pastors, officiating. Mr. West of 6634 Gillislee Dr. peacefully passed away September 17, 2010 surrounded by his family. He was born to the late Ockey and Rebecca West in Thomson, GA and after relocating to Jacksonville, was a product of the local schools graduating from Stanton High School-Class of 1939. Furthering his education, Mr. West was a graduate of the Atlanta School of Embalming. His career in Funeral Service spanned over 60 years, including being a co-owner of Holmes & West Funeral Home, PA for 30 years and more recently owner of Alphonso West Mortuary, Inc. for the past 22 years. Also, Mr. West was employed as a Clerk by the U.S. Postal Service until retiring after rendering 20 years of dedicated service. He was a WWII Veteran serving in the U.S. Navy. Mr. West was an active member of his church, serving for many years as Assistant Treasurer and Trustee. Other affiliations include serving as a member of the National, First Coast, and Independent Funeral Directors Associations, National Postal Alliance, and Flajax, Inc. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Mrs. Annie Mae Shields; brothers, Oscar and Edward West. Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Mrs. Grace Payne West; son, Dr. Bruce E. West (Necole) of Farmington Hills, MI; daughter, Mrs. Debrah W. Daniels (James); grandchildren, Mrs. Nichole Stephens- Johnson (Terrance), Mrs. Kimberley W. Simmons (Timothy), Ms. Stephanie A. White, and Cole R. West of Farmington Hills, MI; great-grandchildren, Brandon J. Stephens, Kamryn D. Stephens, Kendyl D. Johnson, and Imani S. Simmons; sister, Mrs. Cora W. Deane of Hamilton, NJ; a special devoted niece, Ms. Beverly E. Shields; a number of other relatives and friends. Mr. West will rest in the mortuary for visitation of friends THURSDAY from 5PM until 8PM (where the family will receive friends at 5PM) and in the church Friday from 9AM until the hour of service. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends are asked to assemble at the church under the direction of ALPHONSO WEST MORTUARY, INC., 4409 Soutel Dr., 904/766-9671. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com