Rev. Selma D. West

At 7:00 AM on September 25, 2025, Rev. Selma Sanders-West left her earthly home and obtained her heavenly reward at UPMC Passavant, in Pittsburgh, PA. After a well fought battle, she no longer experiences pain or suffering, and we believe she' is now at peace and rest in Paradise. Selma Darlene Sanders-West was born in Farrell, PA, on January 2, 1953, to Henry K. and Martha J. (Wiley) Sanders, one of seven children. She graduated from Farrell High School in 1970 and attended The Pennsylvania State University, Shenango Valley Campus and University Park Campus. Selma was instrumental in the early years when the Penn State campus ministry was founded and received the baptism in the Holy Ghost at age 22. Shortly after, she was influential in the founding of Hour of Power and devoted her life to ministering the gospel and serving the community in both, sacred and secular spaces. Rev. Selma went on to receive a master's degree in Regional Planning from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst. While completing her internship with Chicago Public Schools, God led Rev. Robert Michael West to her, which was the confirmation of a dream. They were united in marriage and ministry in 1986 and from this union they raised a nurtured their daughter, Phebe Joy West. Rev. Selma was respected for her untiring leadership in community service, advocacy, and education. Professionally, her emphasize was to " improve the plight of disenfranchised individuals and families in poverty to become economically self-sufficient and more upwardly mobile through education and political empowerment." For more than five decades Rev. Selma worked for numerous non-profit organizations in varied capacities, which included the Mercer County NAACP, the National Urban League, and Grantville Community Outreach. In 1989, she founded West & Associates, an independent consulting firm that specialized in helping people start businesses and non-profit agencies. Rev. West demonstrated her love for mentorship and education through employment with Temple University Harrisburg as a Community Health Worker Trainer, Doors to Success as a Job Coach, New Beginnings Youth and Adult Services as Executive Director, P.R.O.B.E. New Choices, as a Career Counselor, Downtown Daily Bread, as a Career Counselor for the unhoused population of Harrisburg, PA. and most recently with St. Michael's Harbor of Hermitage, PA., as a training advocate for adults with intellectual disabilities. Politically astute, Rev. West was devoted as an advocate for those who needed a voice by serving as a voting ambassador conducting voter registration and education initiatives, a member of the SEIU Healthcare Union. A pioneer, Rev. Selma holds the distinction as the first African American woman elected to office in Farrell during the 150-year history of Mercer County, when she was elected to the Farrell Area School board, serving from 1988-1998. During tenure on the school board, she served on every board committee, including as board president, vice-president as well as, the Head Start Policy committee. A proponent for education and community engagement, she founded the Farrell-Wheatland PTA and the Tri-County Conference on Black Basic Education which in 1995 earned her the bestowal of the "Woman of the Year" award by Clarion University. Rev. Selma loved to write both leisurely and professionally. She was a reporter for The Sharon Herald, the New Castle News, wrote for a Christian women's magazine, Beautiful for Him, in Chicago, and served as the Chicago Board of Education Press Officer and Speechwriter. Rev. Selma loved the Lord and received fulfilment through serving in many ministries including, Second Baptist Church of Farrell, PA., where she grew up, The Hour of Power Full Gospel Tabernacle, Inc. of Farrell, PA. and the Shenango Valley Interdenominational Clergywomen's Alliance of Farrell, PA. both founded by her mother, the late Prelate Bishop Martha J. Sanders, and the Shekinah Glory Ministries C.O.G.I.C. of Harrisburg, PA. Her devotion to serving the community could be seen throughout the years through her membership with The Strategic Planning Economic Development Committee of Farrell, PA., the Shenango Valley Enterprise Zone, appointed by Mayor Kim Doss, the Dauphin County Systems of Care, Dauphin County Human Services Planning Committee, Steelton-Highspire Initiative, Dauphin County Poverty Forum, and Harrisburg Businesswomen's Association. In the midst of all that she accomplished, Rev. Selma made sure to carve time out to impact the next generation. Together, the Wests helped to raise, mold, and mentor over 200 young people as certified house parents/counselor parents at The Milton Hershey School, George Junior Republic, and as therapeutic foster parents. Rev. Selma is survived by her loving husband, Rev. Robert, daughter, bonus-daughter, Brenetta (Reginald)Wilkes and bonus-granddaughter Aamira Hines, three brothers, Phillip E. Sanders (Pastor Deborah), Brian K. Sanders Sr., and Reginald L. Sanders Sr., a niece who she helped raise, Rev. Amanda Pearson (Elder Airess Hunter), two godchildren, great-niece and great-nephew, Brittany Pearson and Brandon Pearson, a lifelong friend/sister Deborah (Jonathan) Crawford, a spiritual mother, co-pastor Emeritus Bishop Sallie M. Saunders, and a score of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, mentees, surrogate children, and loved ones. Rev. Selma entered eternity and was reunited with her parents, She's preceded in death by her parents, Henry Sanders, Sr. and Bishop Martha Sanders, three brothers, Henry K. Sanders Jr., PFC Wendell M. Sanders, and Michael S. Sanders Sr., sister-in-law, Judy Reid Sanders, nephew, Reginald L. Sanders, Jr., and Willia Mae (Mae Mae)Pruitte, who was a loving mother figure. Rev. Selma D. Sanders-West's impact extended far beyond her immediate family. Her legacy of love, kindness, and service will continue to inspire those she touched throughout her lifetime. Rev. Selma Sanders-West loved the Lord and "just wanted to be pleasing in His sight and stand as His ambassador, proclaiming the good news to the poor and setting the captives free." The family invites the community to the public viewing to be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Hour of Power Full Gospel Tabernacle, 1126 Fruit Avenue in Farrell. A Celebration of Life, to honor the anointed vessel which was dedicated to God and the betterment of others, will begin at 11:00 AM with Pastor Deborah Lewis Sanders officiating and Rev. R. Michael West as the eulogist. Following the committal ceremony, Rev. Selma will be laid to rest in the serene gardens of Morefield Cemetery, a final act of reverence for a woman whose spirit touched the lives of countless individuals. Rev. Selma will forever be remembered as a beacon of light, love, and inspiration to all who knew her. May her spirit continue to guide us as we carry forward her legacy of compassion and service. At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Rev. Selma Sanders-West elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 1059 Hamilton Ave, Farrell, PA 724.983.1523