Mother Dorothy Mae West

Mrs. Dorothy Mae West (Christine Henderson), passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, at the age of 91. She was born on July 27, 1933, in Raymond, Mississippi, to Mrs. Louise Williams and Mr. Atwood Henderson. Dorothy was the eldest of seven children born to this union.

She accepted Christ at an early age and was a lifelong, faithful member of Cherry Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Edwards, MS. As the oldest member of the Mother's Board, her devotion to her faith and church family remained steadfast throughout her life.

Dorothy was united in holy matrimony to the late Mr. William West Sr., and became the mother of twelve children.She began her early life as a sharecropper/farmer, later relocating her family to Jackson, MS, where she continued her legacy of love, sacrifice, and service.

Dorothy dedicated her life to raising not only her own children but countless others who lovingly called her "Mama"or "Grandma." She never turned away anyone in need-feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and welcoming all with warmth and compassion. Her heart knew no limits.

A natural entrepreneur, Dorothy was well-known as the neighborhood "candy lady," always finding a way to providefor her family and community through hard work and resourcefulness. No matter where she lived, she set up shop,offering treats, essentials, and love in equal measure.

In her 91 years, Dorothy Mae West touched innumerable lives with her kindness, generosity, warmth, comfort, joy,and unwavering faith. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by two daughters, Dorothy Jean Henderson and Louise West Horton; two sons, WilliamWest, Jr. and Willie B. West; one granddaughter, Rikyla Brown; three grandsons, Ather West, Jr., Marcus Moore,and Emuel Cavett; one great-granddaughter, Brianna McGowan; and three great-grandsons, Javoris Gibson, DerreonMcGowan, and Kaiden West-Davis.

Mrs. West leaves to mourn her passing her loving sister, Vicki Smith of Las Vegas, Nevada; two devoted brothers,Arlester Henderson and Currie L. Williams of Los Angeles, California; four daughters, Katie Mae McGowan (David),Annie Chambers (Eddie), Rebecca Cavett, and Mary Skinner - all of Jackson, MS; and eight sons, Leroy West (Linda)of Los Angeles, CA, Ather West, Sr., Albert Lee West, Donald Ray West(Jerla), Willie West, Robert James West, KelvinHenley, and Joshua West -all of Jackson, MS.

She is also survived by her special cousins, Betsy Williams and Belinda Williams; two god children Tony and MaryFrancies and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, churchfamily, and friends - all of whom she loved dearly and who loved her in return.

In her 91 years, Dorothy Mae West touched countless lives with her generosity, strength, and deep faith. Her memory,legacy, and love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

"Put yo hands, in GODS hands and pray..-Grandma