Mrs Ethel C. West

Ethel Clement West, 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at her home in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Mrs. West was born on September 27, 1934 in Pontotoc, Mississippi to the late, Alma Jones Clement and the late, Aubrey Clement. She lived in Pontotoc until moving to Jackson with her family when she was in 8th grade. A self-professed tomboy, Ethel entered Bailey Jr. High and quickly made many friends, two of whom, Dolores Watkins and Carolyn Gaby remained her life-long friends. Upon graduation from Central High School, Ethel enrolled at Millsaps College to study Elementary Education. During her sophomore year of college, Ethel met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" West, having been introduced by her friend, Dolores and Bob's step-brother, Jim Montgomery. The two quickly became smitten and married on June 16, 1955. Ethel and Bob were married for 52 years until Bob passed away in May 2007.

Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; parents, Alma Clement and Aubrey Clement; brothers, Neal Clement and Forrest Clement; and sister, Agnes Clement Morris. Ethel is survived by her three daughters, Donna West of Ridgeland, Chris West Airhart and husband, Richard of Pineville, Louisiana, Vivian West Heep and husband, David of Vicksburg; and son, Bobby West and wife, Traci of Atlanta, Georgia. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Lou Clement Lauritzen of Ridgeland; brothers, Rodney Clement and wife, Pat of Point Clear, Alabama and Joe Clement and wife, Barbara of San Francisco, California; grandchildren, Larenda Airhart, Christopher Crouch, Matthew Crouch, Dwain Airhart, Cade Bishop, Drew Bishop, Jackson West, Cullen West and Colbie West; and three great grandchildren, Brenden, James, and Anna.

During her full and active life, Ethel was very devoted to her family, friends and community. Working beside her husband, Bob, at his veterinary clinic, she greeted all the clients with a smile and kind word. She was active with the South Jackson Junior League, taught Sunday school, produced church plays and was involved with school organizations at her children's schools. Ethel was a reluctant bridge player, an avid SEC football fan, loyal to the entire SEC but faithful to the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Ethel loved to laugh and was blessed with a quick wit and a unique sense of humor that was enjoyed by all who knew her. She lived her life with dignity, grace and good humor. Her bright light will forever be a part of us.