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In memory of
Kelly Michele West
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Kelly's obituary
Kelly Michele was the daughter of Norman and Carol West of Taylors, SC. She was predeceased by her maternal and paternal grandparents; her precious Uncle Joe; and her beloved younger brother, Kevin James “Big Red” West.
Surviving are her parents, Uncle Mike & Aunt Julie, cousins Bonnie & Tracy, and her two children; Katherine DeLeon of Dallas, TX and James McBryde of Greer, SC. She is also survived by many friends who treasure her memory and miss her dearly.
Kelly was a graduate of Hampton Park Christian High School in Greenville, SC.
She earned her Bachelor’s in Science at Clemson University. She worked as a high school science teacher in Greenville County, SC as well as in Houston, Texas. She still spoke with great fondness of her teaching days, many years after leaving that career. Kelly said she loved the energy of her High School students, and embraced opportunities to impact them by addressing the needs of the whole child in addition to creatively delivering academic content. She also worked at The Hilton in Greenville, SC and Associated Packaging in Greer, SC.
Her favorite “job” was being a stay at home mom to Katy and James. In her youth, Kelly was an accomplished pianist, and she never gave up her deep love of music. She took great pride in seeing that musical talent pass on and grow stronger in her daughter Katy. She took joy in making her home a nurturing nest for James. She was so devoted to her “Li’l Red”. She worked to instill a reliance on Jesus Christ in her children through their bedtime prayer routine. Kelly taught them to have respect for family and for their elders. Most of all, she aimed for them to grow up with an unshakable knowledge that as long as she had a home- they would always have a safe place to land, no matter what.
Kelly always admired her mother Carol’s wit, poise, and beauty and she fortunately inherited each of those traits. She adored her father Norman and enjoyed opportunities to sit with him and cheer for his Carolina Gamecocks. The Tigers of her alma mater never had a chance in the heart of that Daddy’s girl.
Friends who knew her valued her as an ever faithful cheerleader during their own times of trouble. She gladly gave her time to listen and encourage others. In an effort to minister and offer hope, she also reached out to others when she recognized them having struggles similar to those that she had experienced and survived. She was a wonderfully unique, multi-faceted woman. “She was simple, like quantum physics”, is a quote she laughed at, and it described her perfectly. Kelly demonstrated that her free spirit and great intellect did not negate her belief in God through the loving testimony she shared with those who knew her.
Her most recent years were plagued by great amounts of physical pain and illness. She ached to be able to do more, but her body would not allow her. We rejoice knowing that she is now free from that agony, and is reunited with her dear brother Kevin in heaven.
A private memorial was held at Greenville Christian Fellowship on December 19th 2021. Memorials can be made in her name to the Triune Mercy Center in Greenville, SC https://triunemercy.org/donat… Condolences can be offered to the family on legacy.com.
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Created with love by
Bethany Miller (Kelly's friend).
