Jamell "Mel" West Stern

Born on October 25, 1938, in Fulton County, Georgia to the late Lucile and James H. West, Mel’s early years were rooted in Southern warmth and strong family values. During her high school years, her family relocated to Florida, where she graduated from St. Petersburg High School, beginning a lifelong devotion to the community she would so faithfully serve.

Mel built an extraordinary professional career defined by leadership, integrity, and determination. She rose to become Senior Vice President of St. Pete Federal Savings and Loan and later served as President of Colonial Bank. Her accomplishments in the banking industry were a testament to her intelligence, perseverance, and steady guidance. Ever ambitious and community-minded, she also earned her real estate license and dedicated countless hours volunteering with the American Red Cross.

Yet beyond her professional achievements, Mel’s heart was most visible in her compassion. She served as a crossing guard for Lake St. George Elementary School, protecting and encouraging generations of children with her watchful care and warm smile.

An avid animal lover who often said she should have been a veterinarian, Mel filled her life with beloved cats and dogs—and over the years, she also owned and cared for many horses, each one treasured. Her home and stables were places of joy and devotion, reflecting her deep love for animals of every kind.

Mel was the ultimate “Champa Bay” fan, a title she wore with pride and passion. For more than 50 years, she held season tickets to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, faithfully cheering them on through every high and low. Her love for Tampa Bay sports ran deep, and she was an ardent supporter of the Tampa Bay Rays and the Tampa Bay Lightning as well. Whether in the stands or watching from home, Mel’s loyalty never wavered. Her spirited devotion to her teams reflected her vibrant personality and her unwavering, steadfast heart.

Mel is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Elliott W. Stern; her daughter, Allyson Amende; her cherished grandchildren, Synjen Amende and Sawyer Amende; and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were brightened by her presence.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved sister, Jean Giles.

A graveside service will be held at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, 2860 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, Florida 33759, on February 25, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.

Mel’s legacy is one of strength, service, compassion, and enduring love. She leaves behind a lifetime of beautiful memories and a community made better because she was part of it.

Mel built an extraordinary professional career defined by leadership, integrity, and determination. She rose to become Senior Vice President of St. Pete Federal Savings and Loan and later served as President of Colonial Bank. Her accomplishments in the banking industry were a testament to her intelligence, perseverance, and steady guidance. Ever ambitious and community-minded, she also earned her real estate license and dedicated countless hours volunteering with the American Red Cross.

Yet beyond her professional achievements, Mel’s heart was most visible in her compassion. She served as a crossing guard for Lake St. George Elementary School, protecting and encouraging generations of children with her watchful care and warm smile.

An avid animal lover who often said she should have been a veterinarian, Mel filled her life with beloved cats and dogs—and over the years, she also owned and cared for many horses, each one treasured. Her home and stables were places of joy and devotion, reflecting her deep love for animals of every kind.

Mel was the ultimate “Champa Bay” fan, a title she wore with pride and passion. For more than 50 years, she held season tickets to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, faithfully cheering them on through every high and low. Her love for Tampa Bay sports ran deep, and she was an ardent supporter of the Tampa Bay Rays and the Tampa Bay Lightning as well. Whether in the stands or watching from home, Mel’s loyalty never wavered. Her spirited devotion to her teams reflected her vibrant personality and her unwavering, steadfast heart.

Mel is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Elliott W. Stern; her daughter, Allyson Amende; her cherished grandchildren, Synjen Amende and Sawyer Amende; and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were brightened by her presence.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved sister, Jean Giles.

A graveside service will be held at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, 2860 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, Florida 33759, on February 25, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.

Mel’s legacy is one of strength, service, compassion, and enduring love. She leaves behind a lifetime of beautiful memories and a community made better because she was part of it.