Joseph Madison West, 1913-1993"The kindest, most gentle man I have ever known,” is how his second wife, Betty, describes our father, Joseph Madison West. The youngest of nine children, the fair-haired Joe was born to James and Ida West in Many times Daddy told us stories of his childhood, describing how generous neighbors left food and clothing on their front porch at night when his father was unable to work. Never forgetting his humble beginnings, he remembered his joy upon receiving an occasional toy or orange. Daddy taught himself to play the guitar and loved to have us sing along with him, mostly hymns. Our favorite was "Row Us Over The Tide," a song about two little children -- a boy and girl - -whose parents had gone to heaven. A tender-hearted, compassionate man, our father’s eyes were always misty when the song ended. A diligent Bible student, Daddy loved to quote for us the numerous passages he had memorized. Two significant events occurred when Daddy was 21. Marriage to a raven-haired beauty, Mamie Gray Sigmon, on September 4, 1934, was the first. Then Mama became converted, as she called the experience, under the ministry of Dr. Mordecai Ham; Daddy became a Christian soon afterward. With their newfound faith now the central focus of their marriage, they became charter members of A lay preacher for many years, our father longed to serve his Lord full time. Because he had quit school after the sixth grade to support his family, Daddy lacked the formal education required. Determined to be ordained, he earned his high school diploma using a correspondence course. Next, to avoid an age deadline, he completed a four-year ordination home study course in under two years, while also working his regular job. In 1953, at age 40, he was ordained and then called to pastor the Subsequently, our father pastored the Roanoke Shenandoah Chapel, Danville First Pilgrim Holiness, West Salem Wesleyan, and three United Methodist charges: After his beloved "Mamie-girl" went to heaven on December 31, 1988, our father was like a lost little boy. Then God wonderfully provided a devoted second companion, Elizabeth Clark Hill, whom he married on September 1, 1989. When love blossoms between two older people, it is truly marvelous to behold. When Daddy had a stroke following surgery, Betty tirelessly and affectionately cared for him at home. Peacefully, without pain, and surrounded by family, Daddy left us to claim his eternal reward on January 5, 1993, a few months short of attaining 80 years of age. -His Children |