A graveside service celebrating her life and faith will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Elmwood Memorial Park with Dr. Jeff Reid officiating. Services will be under the direction of
Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
Herbie was born on July 20, 1925 in Trent, Texas to Herbert Andrew Johnston and Ruth Ross (Parker) Johnston. Herbie was reared in Hamlin, Texas where she graduated from Hamlin High School in 1941 at age 15. She went on to graduate from Hardin-Simmons University where her outgoing personality, inner and outer beauty, led her to being crowned Queen. She was even named a sweetheart for Anson and the soldiers at Camp Barkeley. She went on to attend Powers Modeling School in New York. After modeling school, she returned to Texas where she met Thomas P. West while he was in Dental School at Baylor. They married on January 25, 1948. Together they made Abilene home, where Herbie became the loving and nurturing mother of her two children, Andrew and Thomasine. Herbie enjoyed a successful career, as a model. Once her children left home, she became a Realtor with the late Frances L. McClure and later Pam Redman.
Herbie enjoyed a wonderful social life. She never met a stranger and made many endearing friendships throughout her life. In the early years, Herbie and her family were members of St. Paul United Methodist Church. For many years, she has been a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church where she built many special relationships. Herbie was also a member of PEO and was a legacy member of the Abilene Women’s Club. She will be remembered for her loving, and caring nature. She was always so positive. She chose to embrace the things that make life sweet and beautiful and wanted those around her to do the same.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dr. Thomas P. West; her sister, Jeannine Johnston Moore; her father and mother-in-law, Dr. Ernest E. and Alice West.
She is survived by her daughter, Thomasine West; her son, Andrew Evan West and his wife, Rockette, all of Abilene; her grandson, Michael Reisch and his wife Beth; her cherished great-granddaughter, Celeste Reisch of Vidor; her nieces and nephews; numerous other relatives and special friends.
The family would like to give special thanks to Jennifer Jones for her loving care to their mother.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elliott-hamil.com for the West family.
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