Annie Beatrice (Johnson) West

Annie Beatrice Johnson West was born August 30, 1931, in Courtland, Alabama to Minnie Eloise Johnson and J.D. Johnson.  She departed this walk of life on January 9, 2025, at her home.  She was called several nicknames by many: Modear, Muh, Granny, Granny Gran, and Shug. She was married to John Ivory West.  To this union 8 daughters and 8 sons were born.

Mrs. West accepted Christ at an early age and united with the Mt. Zion M.B. Church (Little Sam) in Town Creek, Alabama.  Upon moving to Russellville, she united with the First Baptist Church, College Avenue, where she remained faithful and active until her death.  During her active periods of the Christian journey at First Baptist, she served as a member of the usher board for 30 plus years, a member of the missionary society, kitchen committee, worked on committees for special church events, quoted “Thoughts for Today” during morning worship, exhibited her acting skills by participating in church plays.

Her education was earned at several schools, especially the old Lakeside School located in Decatur, AL. She completed the 11th grade.

Mrs. West worked many jobs during her healthy years. She did house cleaning, was a maid at the old Russellville Motel, and was a seamstress at several garment factories (Lawrence Cooperation in Moulton Ala.), Prepmore (Russellville, AL), and (Kellwood factory located in Phil Campbell, AL) where she was employed for over 25 years.

As years passed and she was no longer employed, she decided to become a member of the Foster Grandparent Program, always having a heart for the well-being of children.  She shared her love at the Russellville Elementary School and loved grading papers, helping children with their school work, but most of all mentoring them during her time at C.I.T.Y./SPAN. She had a special love for Jamie Harris, Mendy, and the entire group. Mrs. West was also a poll worker, for she loved being in the midst of people and chatting with them as they passed through the line to vote.     

Mama West, as some called her, loved cooking for her family and anyone else who dropped in. Her sweet iced tea was second to none!! At the dinner table no one was a stranger.  Her favorite TV shows were:  Young Shelton, Abbott Elementary, Entertainment Tonight, Sherri Shepherd, Judge Judy, The Bold and The Beautiful, and General Hospital and of course Lifetime movie channel. She enjoyed watching and buying items off the Mr. Pete Benefit show. But, when Sonequa Martin-Green appeared on the screen she really became excited.

Mrs. West was preceded in death by her mother, Minnie Eloise Johnson Reynolds; her father, J.D. Johnson; daughters, Celestine West and Gloria West Babb; sons, George E. West Sr., Anthony Shean West, and Rev. Michael D. West.

She leaves to cherish her memory:

Six daughters, Mollie Young of Staten Island, NY, Ella West, Janet Groce, both of Russellville, AL, Mary Stewart of Florence, AL, Linda McGuire of Woodbridge, VA, and Phyllis Green (Harold) of Killen, AL; Five sons, John L. West of Fayetteville, NC, Tony West of Russellville, AL, Timothy West (Wanda) of Arlington, TX, Earl West of Los Angeles, CA, and Gregory West of Cape Coral, FL; three dedicate daughters-in-law, Mary Jo West, Betty West, and Renita West; thirty-five (plus) grandchildren, twenty (plus) great grandchildren, along with great-great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Annie Beatrice (Johnson) West, please visit our floral store.