Vilma C. West

A Life of Grace and Kindness

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Vilma West, a cherished friend and family member, who after a brief illness, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025.

Vilma was born in Nestor Village, Trinidad, to Orion Jones and Irene Mitchell. She moved to the US Virgin Islands in her thirties and later relocated to the States. Most of Vilma’s life in the States was spent in Houston, Texas, which she called home for over 35 years. Vilma often joked that she spent more of her life in the States than in Trinidad. Her friends in Houston have been greatly enriched by her presence.

Vilma was one of a kind, she used to always say, “I love myself”, and she meant that. Everyone in her circle knew she was a classy lady who always “dressed to the nines”. She had her own unique sense of style. Vilma had a flair for dressing beautifully and she proudly wore her lovely, distinct jewelry wherever she went, even to the grocery store. She lived her life to the fullest! Vilma loved to laugh, appreciated a good joke, enjoyed spending time with friends, loved music and dancing, and on occasion, didn’t mind taking a trip to the casino.

Vilma was a special lady who shared her wisdom with all of her friends. She was a very warm and caring person. If she liked you, you knew it. There was no better friend to have than Vilma. Although she endured some hardships and illnesses as a youth in Trinidad, Vilma overcame those challenges. She became a very independent, healthy, fit, vibrant woman who didn’t let anyone make up her mind for her. She questioned everything, reasoned it out, "talked to herself", and made well thought out decisions. Vilma lived a full and happy life, and she will be sincerely missed by all who knew her.

Vilma was preceded in death by her loving husband of nearly 25 years, Leonard Leid; former husbands, Davison Toby and Randolph West, both of Texas; sisters, Olive Jones of Trinidad and Emelda Jones of New York; brother, Lawrence Jones of New York; nephews, Leon King and Stephen Jones, both of Trinidad; and her cousin, Jean Jones of Trinidad.

Vilma is survived by, nieces, Ivy King of Trinidad and Lisa Jones of Maryland; cousins, Veronica Jones Phillips (Andrew) of Canada, Sylvester Jones, and Russell Jones, both of Trinidad; cousin, Beverly Jones Lewis of Georgia; sister-in-law, Claire Vincent of New York; close friends, all of Texas, Zamina Ali, Elaine Allen, Lysely Fermin, Compton and Linda Herbert, Jean McIntosh, Sharon Miles, Zita Noel, Merle Rostant, Celia Sweazie, and Marva Sylvester; and a host of great nieces, great nephews and other good friends.

Final Farewell

A celebration of Vilma's life will be held on April 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 S. Kirkwood Road, Stafford, Texas, 77477 where family and friends will gather to honor her memory.

Vilma West will be forever remembered in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved her. She had such a powerful impact on us all. May she rest in eternal peace.