Nellie West

Nellie West was born on August 7, 1923, in New Hebron MS and was raised in Carbondale IL. She was the daughter of George and Edith Forest. Nellie graduated from Crispus Attucks in Carbondale IL. While growing up in Carbondale she was baptized at an early age. Her parents also taught her to be a child of God. At age 19 she moved to Indianapolis Indiana and became employed taking care of babies and young kids then began working at a factory. While in Indianapolis, she met her first Husband Pastor Hillie Wright. They were married and had 3 children. She became the First Lady of the True Church of God of Holiness. Even though she was a First Lady she was shy, but she was still a proud and faithful servant of God. She was encouraged by Pastor Wright before he passed away to let go of her shyness. Afterwards she remained active in service of the Lord. She taught, was a good listener, and advised individuals inside and outside of the church. Nellie married Elder Wendell West and they had one child. She continued to serve God with her husband and all their children. She attended some college classes, worked as a beautician and IPS employee. As an IPS employee she excelled in various positions. She taught students, was a community aid, and an assistant social worker. Nellie was an activist for the community, a tireless, and lively person. She enjoyed traveling to church services, visiting people, and going on vacations with family. Nellie also went to Africa. She enjoyed being with family, friends, and others. She continued to be an active listener with inspiration from God. She loved people and was selfless in giving. She helped everyone in different ways. Nellie encouraged people, gave them shelter, helped them financially, and assisted them with any other needs they had. She gave care to family members, her children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great grandchildren, also her mother Edith Forest, father George Forest and both husbands Hillie Wright and Wendell West before they passed. Nellie departed this life on June 2, 2024, after being 100 years, 9 months and 25 days. She was preceded in death by her parents and husbands. Children (Robert Wright) Makau Gaidi, John West, Robert West, Phillip West, Darrell West, Roberta Wright Anderson, Henry Wright. Grandsons Donnie Morris, Robert Polin, Alfred Polin Jr. and Great granddaughter Hannah Donya Morris. Siblings. LT Walker Sr., Lillie McCroy, and Rosa Wooden. She leaves to cherish her children; Regena Wright Glass, Ilene Wright Morris, Clarence West, Sandra West Cumberlander, Emma Wright Long Gwen West, David West, Glenda West, Nia Imani, Grandchildren; Alfreda Polin Willis, Andrea (Susie) Polin Shaffer, Terri Cade, Terry Imani, Sekou Gaidi, Tiye Gaidi, DeAndra Glass, Great grandchildren Donnie Morris Jr., Savannah Morris, Aurora Simmons, Siblings; Helen Middleton, Aldophus Forest, Julia Towns (Frank), nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members and friends. A visitation for Nellie will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Original Church of God, 2150 N Capitol Ave, Way, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00 PM.