Lessie Mae West

Lessie was born on July 8, 1947, in Jackson Mississippi to Rev. Elijah and Mary Varnell. She attended William Walton Elementary and Brinkley High School.

Lessie was raised in the church, as her father was a preacher laying the foundation of a strong belief & love for the Lord early in life – a belief she held strong in her heart. She always kept her family and loved ones in her thoughts and prayed every day for their guidance and protection.

Lessie married Joe Henry West Jr. on March 4, 1963, and became a military wife. During their early years of marriage, they resided in Southern California, and together had 3 children: Allean, Janice and Darrin.

Lessie worked several different jobs while in California, including the mental health department for the County of Los Angeles. This is where she learned patience, sharing her kind heart with those that needed a little more understanding and love. She had a gift to look beyond the exterior of a person and to see what was on the inside – teaching all of us to not judge a book by its cover.

In the late 70’s Lessie and Joe decided to move their family to Utah, where they eventually settled in West Valley City. Lessie worked many years at Hercules Incorporated Aerospace Division. When the grandbabies started to arrive is when the grand title of Nana was bestowed, Nana was the Queen Mother of the family and was our fearless leader. Lessie not only took care of her grandchildren, but she also took care of many other babies, for close family friends. Lessie ruled her home with love, respect, trust, patience and “home depoters” which is why our babies never wanted to be picked up on time, they felt safe and loved being at Nana’s house.

Lessie enjoyed reading her bible, watching the hummingbirds outside her front window, and the beautiful roses that Joe had planted for her. Lessie spent many hours in her kitchen preparing meals for her family and was famous for her banana pudding. She was a die-hard Denver Broncos fan.

Lessie was called home on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. A joyous reunion with Joe, her parents, older sister, Annie Mae Wolfe, and niece Janae Varnell.

Lessie is survived by her 3 children, Allean West, Janice Jones and Darrin (Sheryl) West. 1 sister, Brenda Varnell of Fullerton CA. Grandchildren: Nakita Swanigan, Danielle Smith, Drey West, Derek Jones, DeAndre Jones, William West, Jada Morrell and Kellen West. Great Grandchildren: Johari Alexander, Ava West, Joseph Alexander, Olivia and Asher. Nieces and nephews: Cetheara Smith, Joseph Sigler, Taron Morris, John Wolfe Jr., Cynthia Ross, Angela Wolfe, Anthony Wolfe, Melinda Wolfe and a host of other family and friends.

Whether you called her your Wife, Mother, Sister, Auntie, Nana, or Friend – know that you were truly loved and she prayed for you daily.

Services will be held on Friday, December 13th at the LDS Chapel on 3175 S 3450 W, West Valley City, UT 84120

Visitation: 10:00-11:00 AM

Service: 11:00AM