Mary Kathleen (Ford) West

December 18, 1938—August 3, 2021

"From a blessing on Earth

to an angel gone home"

Heaven gained an angel on August 3, 2021, when the children and children of love and marriage lost their beloved mother, Mary Kathleen (Ford) West, born December 18, 1938.   A pillar in the community and a good and faithful servant, Mrs. West was a tireless humanitarian, who worked more than 23 years for Children's Protective Services of Angelina County.  In her job as a Human Service Worker, no one worked harder or made a bigger impact on those she encountered, many of whom had great needs.  She spent several years living in Austin, Texas where she met her husband Joshua West Jr. before returning to Lufkin.  She attended Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and raised her children there as well.

She is survived by her brothers, Edward Eugene Ford and Carroll Carey Ford; her children Yolanda Denise (Robert) Drew and Berwin Devon (Anna) West and Marcus Alvin Smith.

Her children in love and marriage, stepsons, Glenn West Jr, Carl (Lois) West, and Vincent West.  She will also be remembered by her grandchildren which she loved beyond measure.  Glenda West, Shannon West-Greenwood, Glenn West Jr., Taylor West, Josh West, Clorissa Jackson, Deidra Addison, Warren West, Rick "Adams West" Sorrells, Andre West, Jennifer West, Monique West, Virgel West, Tiara Monique West, Robert Allen Drew III, Kodi Devon West, Kasi Danielle West, Mason West, and Madison Regan Drew.

She is also survived by special daughter-in-law Velma White and special friend Ella Mae Parker.

Her memory will be fondly recalled and preserved for great grandsons Garry Riley III, Jeremiah Isiah Riley and Noah Carson Drew who will never get to meet her but will know of her nonetheless and an abundance of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

God saw you getting tired

and a cure was not to be

so, He put his arms around you

and said "come with me"

With tearful eyes we watched you

and saw you pass away

and although we loved you dearly

we could not make you stay

A golden heart stopped beating

you were finally at rest

God broke our hearts to prove to us

that He only takes the best.