Stephen West

“Stephen “Pepe” West, 61, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026. Born August 19, 1964, Stephen was the son of Anna Dean West. He grew up in Abilene, Texas, where his early years helped shape the man he would become.

Stephen served in the U.S. Navy for two years, a chapter of his life marked by dedication, responsibility, and service to his country. He carried that same sense of commitment into the many roles he would take on throughout his life.

After his time in the Navy, Stephen made Milwaukee, Wisconsin, his home for many years. It was there that he raised his daughters, worked, built a life, and formed lifelong friendships. Milwaukee became a place filled with family, community, memories, and people who would remain connected to him throughout his life. Stephen was a hardworking and versatile man who held many different careers throughout his life, always finding new ways to work, provide, and build a life for himself and his family. His most recent career was as a massage therapist, a profession that allowed him to care for and connect with others in a meaningful way.

Above all else, Stephen’s heart belonged to his family. He was the loving father of three daughters — Amber Willis, Autumn West, and Tanishia Jones — and a beloved grandfather and great-grandfather to many, whom he loved and cherished dearly. He was also an amazing father figure to his nephew, Marcos King, spending many years helping to guide, support, and shape him into the man he would become. Stephen’s love extended far beyond titles; he embraced the people he cared for as his own and made a lasting impact on their lives.

In 2014, Stephen met Cynthia Ferguson, and in 2015, they became good friends. Over time, their friendship grew into a deep and loving relationship. To Cynthia, Stephen was a God-given gift — thoughtful in his care, kind-hearted in his presence, and unwavering as her biggest supporter in all her endeavors. He loved her with a quiet steadiness and brought companionship, laughter, and comfort to her life.

Stephen also embraced the role of a father figure to Cynthia’s great-nephew, and together they helped raise him with patience, warmth, love, and guidance. Stephen understood that being there for someone was one of the greatest ways to show love, and he gave that love generously.

Stephen had a great sense of humor and a laid-back spirit that made people feel comfortable in his presence. He was also a proud Dallas Cowboys fan and could always find a reason to cheer for his team. Whether sharing a laugh, talking sports, offering advice, or simply enjoying the company of those around him, Stephen had a way of bringing people together and making them feel at ease.

Beloved for the way he made others feel, Stephen will be remembered for his steady presence, his generous heart, his sense of humor, and the countless ways he showed up for the people he loved. He did not always need grand gestures to make an impact. Often, it was simply his presence, his advice, his encouragement, or the way he stood beside someone when they needed him most. His love was shown through his actions, and those who knew him will carry those memories with them.

Stephen was preceded in death by his grandparents, John Rufus Potts and Anna Mae Potts; his mother, Anna Dean West; his uncles, John, Willie C., and Marcus Potts; and his sister, Sheretta West.

He is survived by his aunts, Linda Kay Potts Coleman and Winnifred Chambers; his cousins, Rodney A. Potts and Randal R. Potts; his sister, Stephanie West; his daughters, Amber Willis, Autumn West, and Tanishia Jones; the woman he loved, Cynthia Ferguson; as well as a host of other family members, friends, and loved ones who will dearly miss him.

Though Stephen is no longer with us, the love he gave, the laughter he shared, the wisdom he offered, and the memories he created will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, family, friendship, hard work, and simply showing up will live on.

A memorial service will be held at Landmark Family Fellowship Church, located at 2523 Clay Mathis Rd., Mesquite, TX 75181, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026.”