Shirley Anne West

WEST - Shirley West November 10, 1931 - May 28, 2015 Shirley Anne West (formerly Shirley Pearson) born November 10, 1931 in Albion, Michigan, passed away peacefully with her husband, children and other family members at her side in her home in Kentwood, Michigan on May 28, 2015.

Shirley graduated from Albion College in 1954. Afterward she taught in several schools in Grand Rapids including Alexander Elementary, South High, Central High, and Ottawa Hills High Schools. Later she received her M.A. degree in Counseling and Guidance. In 1984 she received her PhD in College Student Personnel from Michigan State University. She worked as a Counselor at Grand Rapids Junior College and retired as Director of Counseling at GRCC in 1993.

In her early career Shirley served as a Basilican of the local Lamdba Kappa Mu Sorority and later as an Alpha Kappa Alpha (A.K.A.) Soror with the Grand Rapids Graduate Chapter. Shirley was a lifelong learner and mentor to many, as exemplified by winning the Giants Hattie Beverly Education Award in 1990. Again in 2004 she was awarded the Grand Rapids Community College Salute to Women for being a personal and professional mentor to women. After she retired, Shirley traveled to several places around the world including California, Ghana, Alaska, and Hawaii. She also learned and excelled at income tax preparation for H & R Block. Shirley exemplified emotional maturity. She had the ability to deal constructively with reality, the capacity to adapt to change and found more satisfaction in giving than receiving. Most of all she had the capacity to love.

Shirley is survived by her husband Price, her children Kelli (and Jody) Behun, Jeffrey (JP) West; five grandchildren, Brittne Bennett, Kesha Ferguson, Matthew Miller, Sophia Miller, Natasha Miller, one great grandchild Josiah Cox; five brothers and sisters, Phil Pearson, Rosemary Reed, Ray Pearson, Deanna Brown, Vincent Pearson and her longtime faithful caregiver whom Shirley thought of as a sister and daughter, Sue Lubbers; a host of nieces, nephews and many long- time friends.

The memorial service will be held on at 11 am Saturday, June 6, 2015 at the Cook Funeral Home, Byron Center Chapel, 2067 84th St. SW. A time to meet and visit with Shirley's family will be held one hour prior to the memorial service. The family welcomes memories and messages in their online guest book at www.cookcares.com.

Visitation Saturday, June 06 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Cook Funeral Home - Byron Center Chapel 2067 84th Street Byron Center, MI

Memorial Service Saturday, June 06 11:00 AM Cook Funeral Home - Byron Center Chapel 2067 84th Street Byron Center, MI