Arlene J

West

Arlene Joyce (Joy) West was born to the late Clarence E. West, Sr. and Grace Frierson West on February 18, 1951. She grew up in Englewood where she attended the public schools and graduated from Dwight Morrow High School.

After High School, she became employed for a short period of time at Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ as a keypunch operator. She then became employed with the Division of Youth and Family Services, now known as the Department of Child Protection and Permanency. She was also a Notary Public and a Shop Steward for the Communication Workers of America (CWA), Local 1037. She retired after 42 years of service, with the title of Management Assistant Supervisor of the Clerical Support Unit.

Joy was a member of First Baptist Church of Englewood since birth. She was baptized at the age of 12 and attended Sunday school. Joy (which is what most people called her) was a member of the Gospelettes (which she was a choir master), New Covenant, and the Mass Choir. Joy loved to sing and praise the Lord. She was the president of the Willing Workers. She also received the Martha Award in 2004.

Joy loved old school music, dancing and baking (sweet potato pie and lemon meringue pie). She loved her family and friends very much. She was the peace maker and always praying. She was very loving, caring, and always helping in times of need. She had your back!!! Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Her favorite scripture was Psalms 121:1-2, "I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from which comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."

Arlene leaves to walk in her light that shines bright her daughter Grace Racal West; 2 Sisters, Eunice A. Walker and Frances I. West; 3 Grandchildren, Maurice, Lanell, and Joshua; Nieces, Jill and Taliah; Great-Nieces and Nephews, Michael, Christopher, Amanda, Ariela, Lauryn, Gerard, and Charles, Jr; Godchildren, Arlene, Danita, Frederick, and Chrystal (Chrissy); Son-in-Law to be Keith Gantt; and a host of loving cousins, extended family, friends and church family.