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In memory of

Joan Elizabeth West

Alexandria, VA, USA

May 26, 1955 - April 27, 2020

May 26, 1955 - Apr 27, 2020

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Joan Elizabeth West was born on May 26, 1955 in Washington, D.C. to Laura N. West and the late Charles J. West, the president of the deaconess board and head organist at New Mt. Zoar Baptist Church respectively. She was the first born of 10 children and held the role of oldest child proudly and sternly. Joan departed this life to be with Jesus Christ our Lord on April 27, 2020.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (KJV, Proverbs 3: 5-6).

Joan lived her life according to her favorite scripture (Proverbs 3:5-6) and always allowed God to order her steps in his way and righteousness. She was a lifelong servant of Jesus Christ and gave her life to him in her youth and never looked back. As a devoted follower of Christ, her faith and following of God's word never wavered and she spent her life ministering the teachings and promises of Jesus. She was endearingly known by many as Pastor West and by others as the pianist and leader of The West Singers; a gospel group with four of her sisters. Joan loved to sing praises to The Lord and being in God's presence brought her abundant joy -- she was the epitome of a Worshiper of Jesus Christ and showed his love through the way she lived.

Joan spent her life serving and became the Assistant Pastor of Prosperity Baptist Church in [insert date] and held that position until her passing. She also held the role of pianist and praise and worship leader at Prosperity Baptist Church and supported copious places of worship with . With her four sisters, she spent more than 40 years of her life ministering in song to audiences across the east coast. Most notably, she was known for rearranging and leading the group in songs such as "Purify My Heart," "There is a Name," "Give Thanks," and many other songs rearranged for

In spite of the many life struggles with her health, Joan beamed with a smile and reminded those around her to never feel sorry for her -- she always concerned herself with the wellbeing of others before herself. She was selfless and always gave her last to those in need even if it meant she went without; she was an angel on earth. Joan never took herself too serious and had a vivacious sense of humor; she didn't believe that Christianity meant living a boring life and in fact, ministered to many that God himself had a sense of humor.

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