Elizabeth Desha-West-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Essex Funeral Home Inc

Ms. Elizabeth Desha "Lizzy" West

Saint Charles, Arkansas

Feb 27, 1993 – Oct 10, 2016 (Age 23)

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BORN
February 27, 1993
DIED
October 10, 2016
AGE
23
LOCATION
Saint Charles, Arkansas

Obituary

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Essex Funeral Home Inc Obituary

Elizabeth Desha "Lizzy" West of St. Charles, AR was born February 27th 1993 in Stuttgart, AR. She was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of 13 months and has spent her entire life fighting the hard battle and supporting the foundation in hopes to one day find a cure for CF.  Elizabeth and her Mom moved to St. Louis in June of 2016 to live and receive preparation and treatment while awaiting a lung transplant at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.  Unfortunately, for her family and loved ones, on October 10th 2016, the Lord decided her fight here was over and she gained her angel wings.    On February 22, 2004 at the age of 9, Elizabeth became a member of St. Charles Baptist Church and she was baptized on March 7, 2004.  Elizabeth graduated from DeWitt High School in 2011. After graduation, she attended college at PCCUA DeWitt. While attending PCCUA, she was on the Chancellor's List and a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She was a leader on campus and participated in student events, activities, and volunteering as part of the college family. She also served as Student Ambassador and worked in the college offices as a work study student.  She graduated in May 2014 from PCCUA, with honors, with an Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Communications. She was enrolled at U of A Fort Smith working towards her Bachelors degree at the time of her death. She also won the community Young Volunteer  Award from the Dewitt Chamber of Commerce in 2014.  She is survived by her parents, Gary and Virginia West of St. Charles, AR; her fiancé, Chase Shelton of DeWitt, AR; two brothers, Justin Harlan of Searcy, AR and Christopher Pettie of Missouri; a sister, Hope Harris of Washington; a grandfather, J.C. Harlan of Aubrey, AR;   Uncles, George West (Pam) of Stella, MO and Doyle Harlan (Karen) of Bee Branch, AR; an Aunt, Mary Harlan of Aubrey, AR and numerous other family, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, J.C and Jamie Elizabeth West, her maternal grandmother, Lorene Harlan, and Uncles, John Carrol, Tim, and Jack West.    Her sweet spirit and love of life has touched the lives of all who knew and loved her and she will be greatly missed.   Visitation will be held Thursday, October 13th from 5-7pm at Essex Funeral Home in DeWitt, AR. Funeral service will be held Friday, October 14th at 2pm at Essex Funeral Home with burial at the Chute Cemetery in Ethel, AR.  Pastor Bert Thomas of St. Charles Baptist Church will officiate the service.    Memorials may be made to:  Lizzy West Memorial Scholarship,  Attn- Diana Graves, PCCUA Foundation 1210 Ricebelt Ave  Dewitt, AR  72042  OR Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-Arkansas Chapter 1501 N. Pierce, Ste. 114 Little Rock, AR  72207.

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Gary and Virginia,

I was very sad to hear about Elizabeth's passing. I remember her as a very sweet young lady. I know that she and you fought very hard to give her every chance to live longer. I pray that the God of love and comfort will be with you in the days and weeks to come. We will see Elizabeth again--that will be a great Homecoming. Until then, she will be deeply missed.

Dennis

I was so sorry to read of Elizabeth's death. She was a sweet young person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

So sorry Virginia & Gary I can only imagine what you guys are going through just remember lizzy is a beautiful angel who will be smiling :) down on her family and friends she was loved by many she was beautiful inside & out she will be truely missed by many she always carried a smile no matter what prayers are with you & the family.

May God comfort you as you walk through this valley of the shadow of death.
We did not know your daughter Lizzy, but we've had difficult times like you're going through right now. My wife and I lost two sons in years past, and we miss them, but trust them to God's providence.
You may not think so in the next few weeks, but as time passes you will be able to think more on the good times that you had together and less about losing your daughter. You will cherish the good memories of...

Your family is in our prayers

I was always so impressed with this little Lady's bravery in the face of such a long, hard, illness. She always had a smile for me and was so gracious and thankful. Heaven gained an angel indeed. I am thankful that you will suffer no more, sweet Lizzy. God Bless YOU, and prayers for your loved ones.

Ms. Virginia so sorry for your families loss. We know more than most the fight for life that Lizzy endured. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Mark, Jeannine, and Grant Toomey

She was a great girl. I'll miss her