CATHERINE M. WEST

Catherine Marie West (Jones) was born on January 19, 1930 to the late Harry and Sarah Jones (Turner) in Accomack, Virginia, and was the youngest of her 7 siblings. She was called home by her Heavenly Father on the morning of February 12, 2018 surrounded by her loving family.

Catherine, affectionately known as “Biggie”, professed her love for Jesus Christ at an early age, and freely accepted Him as her Lord and Savior and was a long-time member of Macedonia AME Church. Catherine was educated in the Accomack County School system.

Catherine met and joined in Holy Matrimony the late Herbert “Buster” Lee West in 1965. She and Herbert resided together in their home in Greenbush, VA until he was called home in to be with the Lord in February 1983.

Catherine spent many years working in the agriculture industry, picking strawberries, green beans, and all other produce in season. She was a hard worker, never turning away an opportunity to earn an income to support herself and her family. Her many years of working provided her with an assortment of colorful experiences that she enthusiastically shared with her grand and great-grandchildren.

Catherine was often characterized as strong, feisty and fiercely independent. She never hesitated to tell anyone exactly how she wanted something done, and it was guaranteed whatever you were doing, you were doing it wrong! Red was her signature color and for good reason. It not only represented the love she had for her family and friends, but also the raging fire in her spirit. Catherine would have tempers flaring before she got out of the bed in the morning! However, there were also those precious stolen moments, those times when she would reflect on her life experiences; some stories were hilarious, others were heartbreaking, and a few were bittersweet. With each story, she would share the golden nuggets of wisdom she gained along the way. Catherine’s love, strength and endurance are a legacy that will be carried on for generations to come.

Due to declining health, Catherine left the home she loved so much, and moved to New Jersey to be cared for by her family. Her days were filled listening to her Sunday spirituals, while secretly sharing her meat skins with her grand-doggy, Ginger. She enjoyed watching her westerns, Matlock, Red Fox, and she had a particular appreciation for the all-Spanish network, which she would watch for hours every day. In her free time, Catherine busied herself starting arguments, creating chaos, being stubborn, running people over with her scooter chair, and imparting wisdom to her grandchildren by telling hilarious, yet questionable stories that were unbelievable, yet true. Catherine made it her full-time responsibility to keep her family busy!

On the morning of February 12, 2018, the same month her beloved “Buster” left this life 35 years ago, Catherine also departed from this world, just in time to spend Valentine’s Day with the man she loved.

Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Lee West, her daughter, Vernell Steele, 6 brothers; Samuel Turner, James Turner, William Turner, Harry Jones, George Jones and Stuart Young, and one sister, Mary Elder.

Left behind to honor her memory are: her only son, Burleigh Jones and her daughter-in law Sandra Jones of Pennsauken, NJ; 8 grandchildren, Angela Townsend-Wilson of Newark, DE, Zahana Baez of Pennsauken, NJ, Malika Patterson (Jermaine) of Pennsauken, NJ, Kimberly Steele of Maple Shade NJ, Jamiyl Jones (Sheri) of Thorofare NJ, Tremayne Steele (Daphne) of Alaska, LaToya Hunter (Lynward) of Pennsauken, NJ and Antwine Jones (Monique) of Pennsauken,NJ; 13 great-grandchildren, Mikala, Xavier, Jahmir, Jahni, Azarya, Zoey, Macenzie, Alexa, Cameron, Omari, Keyloni, Shakai & Tyrei ; her precious grand-doggie Ginger, along with a host of cherished nieces, nephews, additional family members and beloved friends.

Floral Arrangement

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Facility

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