Ms. Deborah Ann West

Deborah Ann Matthews West was born December 26, 1956 in Bastrop, LA to Annette Matthews and the late Arthur Ford. Deborah received Christ at an early age at the Greater Magnolia Missionary Baptist Church. She received her early education from Morehouse Parish Public schools until the age of 12, when she moved to Kalamazoo, MI with her family. Deborah started her education here in Kalamazoo at Hillside Middle school and later graduated from Kalamazoo Central in 1974. She furthered her education at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Davenport College. Deborah has been a hard worker all her life, by taking care of her children and family. She worked many years for Kalamazoo Public Schools, Borgess Hospital, Bronson Hospital, and Hudson’s Country Manner until she opened her own daycare called “Kids First”. Deborah had love for everyone that she came into contact with and she left a lasting impression on you. She could light up the room with her smile and wit. Deborah began her battle with cancer in 2007. Although it was an uphill battle, Deborah remained an inspiration and a positive role model for her family and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ray West Sr.; brother Donald Earl Matthews; sister Linda Sue Ford; maternal grandparents Azzetta and Matt Matthews; 4 aunts; Evelyn (Roosevelt) Bradford, Solone Matthews, Neil Matthews and Violet (Malcom) Rigdell; 3 Uncles; Jimmy Earl (Lilly Bell) Matthews, Jessie Smith and Buddy Matthews She leaves to cherish her memory: her mother Annette Matthews; 3 Children, Chesity West, Donald (Jasmine) West Jr., and Sharnice West; 7 grandchildren, Zhanaria West, Da’Vari Jackson West, Quayvion Lampkins, Miracle West, Donald West III and Javarion Boyd;1 God-daughter, Lashanda (Terrence) Hubbard; 2 extended children: Khiera and Jemari Matthews; 2 brothers, Rictchen (Mary Joe) Matthews and Rev. Glen (Cynthia) Miller; 7 sisters, Wanda Matthews, Cheri Matthews, Mimi Matthews, Tonya Matthews, Theresa Matthews, Lillian Ford and Martha Ann Ford; 1 loving aunt, Brunetta Smith; mother-in-law, Irma Lee Peters; special friends, Liz Hennings and Charlene Super; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ms. Deborah Ann West

December 26, 1956 - March 15, 2015