Cornelius Joshua West Sr.

His Life & Legacy Mr. Cornelius “Neal” Joshua West, Sr., transitioned from labor to reward surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. He was born on October 3, 1926, to the late, Mr. William West, Sr., and Mrs. Melissa Brown West (a founding member of the Good Shepherd Baptist Church). He attended George Mason Elementary School and Maggie L. Walker High School where he met the love of his life and married the late Inez Greene on October 23, 1943. To this union, God blessed them with two sons, the late Darryl and the late Cornelius West, Jr. He was also preceded in death by his six siblings, Herman, Sr., John, Ruth Vincent, William ‘’Bill’’, Reverend George, and Sarah Pryor Singleton. He was affectionally known to most as “Granddad” or “Uncle Neal”. He appreciated his family, and the family adored him. He and his granddaughter, Tami, had a special bond and they loved spending time together talking, watching TV and of course, going out to eat at his favorite restaurants, Golden Corral and Cracker Barrel. At Cracker Barrel, every server knew his name and always had a reserved seat for him by the window. These special times will be truly missed by Tami who served as one of his devoted caregivers until his passing. He was a very friendly, outgoing, and gregarious person. He was a dapper dresser and loved wearing his suits with matching tie and shoes. Also, he loved to drive and continued to drive until April 2023. He and his wife, Inez, were avid bowlers with the Saturday Evening Recreation League. At A. H. Robins he also participated in the departmental bowling league as they traveled from state to state. The couple could be seen together at many activities around the community. This included dining at “Golden Corral’ on Friday nights with dear friends, Robert “Mickey” Jr., and Sylvia Melvin. In preparation for his job at A. H. Robins Pharmaceuticals, his supervisor encouraged him to obtain additional training. He attended Smith-Madden School of Business on Clay Street in downtown Richmond and was awarded a Certificate in Business Preparation. During his career at Robins, he worked in different segments of the company. He retired from a long and glorious career in the Research and Development Division Product Evaluation & Special Pharmaceutical Services. He was baptized at Good Shepherd Baptist Church under the late Rev. Andrew David Smith. As a youngster, he joined the Baptist Young Peoples Union (BYPU). Early in life he discovered his calling as a singer, having been blessed and gifted with a beautiful, lyrical, tenor voice. As he performed, he learned how to paint a picture through his musical interpretation and vocal improvisations. He sang with a local group called The Five Kings of Harmony. They performed in the city and surrounding counties for many years. He also participated in many of the church choirs beginning with the Junior Choir, the Senior Choir I & II that combined to become the Senior Choir and later the Sanctuary Choir. A Men’s Choir was formed in the late 60’s where he was the first president. In church school, he helped to organize and serve as Chair of the Committee that sponsored the annual church school picnic for 12 years. For thirty years as a member of church school, he chose books from four different biblical translations. He would purchase the books from the Gospel Bookstore and distribute them to the church school members. He served as a member of the Trustee Board for 10 years. Also, he was a member of the Good Shepherd Senior Center. He volunteered singing and directing the Senior Center Choir and transported members to and from the center. He was also a member of the Wednesday night community praying band that met from house to house. The highest honor he was privileged to receive was in 2022 when he was elected to be the Honorary Father of the Good Shepherd Baptist Church. He enjoyed and appreciated that honor, which was an easy role for him to fill. He sung his last solo at church on Sunday, September 3, 2023. He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted and primary caregiver granddaughter, Tangela “Tami” Vaughan and devoted grandson, Torrey West; one great-grandson, Diamonte Lewis; two great-granddaughters, Devin Vaughan (devoted) and Tori West; devoted daughter-in-law and caregiver, Doris B. West; two nephews, Herman West, Jr. (Doris Ann) and George Vincent; three nieces, Christine Harris (Timothy), Earlene Walker (Kermit) and Beverly West; sister-in-law, Mary West; loyal friends, Robert “Mickey” Melvin, Ruth Greene and Reverend Arthur Blackwell. A host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, the Greene family and other relatives and friends. Notice: Change of Address Dear Family & Friends: I want you to know I have moved. I received a call from God, the chief architect, who informed me that my new house was ready and that I could move in immediately. I just did not have time to give you notice, My new home is furnished and it's such a beautiful sight to behold. It is located in an exclusive estate area, and it sits behind a pearly gate, just off a serene celestial shore. Of course, the streets are paved with gold and every day is Sunday here, I have been told. There is peace, joy and happiness here with no more pain and cares of the world to bear. No strife, nor discontent, there is only sweet serenity everywhere. Let me give you my new address, because I highly recommend you make plans to live here, too: Cornelius J. West, Sr. 1 Gate to the City Avenue Godstown, Heaven 90623 P.S. I don't have a telephone yet, but just call God. If you don't have his number, he is listed in the Good Book on every page-contact him. To hear his amazing singing voice you can go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U485GfzriQ8 Sunday Live Stream | September 3, 2023 | Good Shepherd Baptist Church 1:01:26 – 1:04:49

Tributes

Cornelius Joshua West Sr.

October 3, 1926 - September 6, 2023