Aletta West

Aletta, daughter of Paulette Northington West and McArthur West, began her earthly journey on December 7th, 1968 in Clarksville, Montgomery County, Tennessee. She professed her hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful member until her passing. She was a devoted Christian and dedicated member singing in the choir, in Sunday School, and the Cumberland River, South Kentucky, Middle Tennessee Baptist District Association Youth Department. With a servant’s heart she fulfilled the role of church secretary, choir president, mission ministry treasurer, and served in any other capacity in which she could be of assistance as a member of St. Bethlehem.

Aletta matriculated through the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System and was a 1987 graduate of Northwest High School. She attended college locally and earned her degree in Accounting from Austin Peay State University in 1991. While at APSU, she worked at the Student Financial Aid Office. She was also a member of the Voices of Triumph choir.

Aletta was employed part-time at Miller-Motte Technical College for several years. She was employed by the Montgomery County Election Commission for almost 30 years and enjoyed helping people understand their civic duty of voting.  

Fondly called “Lainny” by family and friends, she was a loving mother to her caring daughter Ashley, a devoted daughter, an extraordinary sister, and an affectionate aunt to her nieces & nephews. Lainny loved anything chocolate and hated anything strawberry. Her brownies, sweet potato casserole, chess-cake and chocolate covered cookies were a favorite to make for family gatherings. She was passionate about UK basketball and all things blue. She loved to sing and had the voice of an angel. 

On the evening of March 19, 2024, Aletta Malainny finally completed her earthly assignment and answered the Heavenly Father’s beckoning call. She can now be at rest and enjoy her reward. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Pastor Merritt Lewis, Jr, who lovingly raised her and considered her his daughter in every way; her grandparents and a number of aunts and uncles.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories with daughter Ashley West, her mother Paulette Lewis, and special great-nephews Quinn Preston & Malachi; bonus mother Charlotte West;  sisters: Cynthia (Russell) Lewis, Dr. Paula (Christopher) Pitts, Ilaine (Geno) Newby; brothers: Vincent (Pamela) Lewis, Jason Lewis, Christopher Lewis, and Henry (Missy) Thomas; nephews: Quinten, Darius, Myles, Leon Miles and Henry; nieces: Tiffany (Lamar), Tabitha, Jayla (Terrance), Chanel, Kristen, Jamie, Tia, Jaryn and Jennsyn; great nieces Timara, Clara, and Juliana; great nephews: Terrance, Jr., and Treyvon; aunts: Mattie West Northington, Shirley Simpson, and Juanita (Alvin) Smith, Rachel Lewis, Patricia Lewis and Loretta Lewis; uncles: Rev. Ted (Burdelle) Mance, Joseph (Gloria) Lewis, Robert (Rita) Lewis, Orville (Carol) Lewis; sister-friends Meshun Eady, Michele Perry and Teresa Sinks, a host of cousins, work family, the St. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church family and friends.