Ms. Joann C West

JoAnn Carol West, 76, of Kaufman, Texas, departed this life for her heavenly home on April 3, 2020. JoAnn was born on June 21, 1943 in El Paso, Texas, the eldest daughter of Inez Mae West Vanlandingham and Thomas William West.

JoAnn graduated from South Mountain High in Phoenix, Arizona. Her teenage claim to fame is that she and sister Bobbie were lucky enough to be on American Bandstand in 1959, early signs of her love of dancing, big bands, doo-wop, crooners, and love songs. Later, JoAnn and 4 of her siblings lived in Westway, Texas (near Hereford) and Moriarity, New Mexico. JoAnn first moved to Dallas in 1966 to help care for new baby sister, Tressie, and little sister, Melanie. After moving to Phoenix in the early 1970s with sister Jean, they returned to Dallas and lived in the new swanky apartments on Gaston Avenue, enjoying poolside gatherings with friends and family. JoAnn worked as a telephone operator for the elegant Baker Hotel in downtown Dallas, leading to her long career with Southwestern Bell/AT&T.

Years in west Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and visits to family in Okmulgee, Oklahoma helped form her love of the American southwest, rural country sides, sunsets, wildflowers, gardening, ROCKS, history, romance novels, and ol’ westerns. She was a talented seamstress and needleworker, home cook, gardener, and life-long crafter, with MANY collections of fabric, cookbooks, plant guides, and art supplies waiting for her next idea. She even helped sister-in-law Peggy with floral designs and homecoming mums during visits with her and Dicky in Dimmitt, Texas. She loved sharing family recipes and photographs, as well as family history and tales. She loved to travel and was always ready for a road trip to a small town or old historic site, often bringing along a sister, her mom, a niece, or dear friend Meredith Oney Key.

JoAnn was one of those genuinely sweet, gracious, old souls who spent her life loving and caring for everyone else. Though she never had children of her own, she often helped raise her seven siblings and many other kids along the way throughout her life. She was trusted and admired, offering frequent words of wisdom, lady-like guidance, and advise – whether asked or not! Jo also helped care for her grandmother, aunt, dad, and mom as they aged, as well as anyone who experienced an injury or health setback. JoAnn was always there to help, offering comfort and gentle encouragement. JoAnn was a woman of deep faith and prayer beginning in her youth at Westway Baptist Church in Hereford, continuing throughout her life from Junius Heights Baptist in Dallas to Love Fellowship Church in Kaufman. She also volunteered with the Genesis Women’s Shelter in Kaufman, continuing her ministry and guidance to young women and children.

JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Inez; Step-father, Bill Vanlandingham; brother Thomas C. West; nephews Billy and Russ; and brother-in-law James Docken. She is cherished by surviving siblings Bobbie Hurst (husband Carl) of Okmulgee, Oklahoma; Jean West and Susan Docken both from Kaufman, Texas; Richard West (wife Peggy) of Trinidad, Texas; Melanie Vanlandingham (wife Barbara Koegl) and Patricia Vanlandingham of Dallas. Jo was dearly loved by nephews and nieces: Jimmy, Raymond, Connie, Jeanette, and Casey; Cindy; David and Dale; Carrie; and Chad. JoJo was also adored by great-niece Blair and her girls, Maci, Kalli, and Raylei; and great-niece Brittany and her son Kyler.

JoAnn’s life was a reflection of so many. She was a gift and angel to us all. And now our angel has wings.

The family will plan a celebration of JoAnn’s life in coming months.