Edward Godfrey West Obituary in Richmond at Scotts Funeral Home

Obituary For Edward Godfrey West

A remarkable, one of kind individual who our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ shared with us from August 7, 1948 until January 2, 2023. Ed was a native of Newport News, Virginia born to Evelyn Taylor Hobbs and Edward Godfrey West, Sr., both now deceased. He was blessed with a stepfather, Clarence Almon Hobbs also deceased. The West-Hobbs family shared six children and in order of their birth, they are: Sandra Lynette West Foy (Colonel Malcolm Foy), deceased; Cecile Rebecca West Coleman, deceased (Calvin Coleman, Sr.-Surviving); Sheila Yvonne Price; Michael Elliott West (Sara) and Sharon Almon Hobbs Harris.

He is also survived by his loving wife of forty-six years, Dr. Marilyn House West. He and Marilyn are the parents of two adult children whom he cherished, Meaghan Brittany West and Brennan Elliott West along with two adorable grandchildren, Reagan Danielle Stokes and Daniel Marcus Stokes, Jr. and their father Daniel Marcus Stokes, Sr. A very special person in Ed's journey of life is his brother-in-law, the Reverend William David House, III (Sharon). Bill introduced Ed to his sister, Marilyn House. Another who was so helpful in the courtship of Marilyn and Ed was his fraternity brother, classmate and lifelong friend. Dr. John J. Brown, Jr. He loaned Ed his automobile to drive back and forth to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to see his subsequent bride.

Among Ed's additional survivors are nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, colleagues, mentors, classmates, fraternity brothers and many others throughout the world. Ed was loved by all. He was bigger than life to some. He was caring, humble, selfless, knowledgeable, stood on values and extremely hilarious.

Ed was a devout Episcopalian and loved his Church family. He served in various capacities at his home church, St. Augustine's in Newport News as well as his current church, St. Philip's Episcopal Church. He sang in the choir, was a member of the hand bell choir and participated in many other ministries.

Ed graduated from Huntington High School in Newport News, received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), an HBCU in Charlotte, North Carolina and a Master of Business Administration from Averett University. Ed served two years as a Military Policeman in Germany for the United States Army during the Vietnam Era.

It is noteworthy that Ed was the first African-American Technology and Supply Operations and Pre & Post Awards Branch Chief at the DLA (Defense Logistics Agency) – Aviation, Bellwood, Virginia. Holding many leadership positions, he retired from DLA - Aviation after thirty years of service. He then served as a Senior Advisor and Analyst for M. H. West & Inc. upon retirement for a short time.

At JCSU, he was an outstanding football player known as "Tricky Mae West" for the Golden Bulls and became a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Rho Chapter. He loved his football teammates and fraternity brothers there. Endearing to him as well are his fraternity brothers and classmates from grade school through college. Ed would want us to remember especially Dr. Melvin T. Pinn, his Omega brother, college roommate and lifelong friend who passed away unexpectedly in 2022.

Ed loved classical music. He was an outstanding saxophonist and played in the marching and jazz bands in high school. Ed also excelled at playing the Upright Bass. He was destined to cling to music as his uncles formed the famed Rudy West and Five Keys, part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ed wooed his classmates and remained so very close to them. Among them are Curtis Clarke, Ed Christian, Solomon Keene, Linda Keene, Brenda Slade, Derrick Faison and so many others.

Ed was a supporter or served in a leadership capacity in many organizations such as the following: • VCU Daycare PTA President • Choir President, St. Philips Episcopal Church • Choir President, Mount Olive Baptist Church • Keeper of Records and Seals - Omega Psi Fraternity, Upsilon Nu • Treasurer, North Richmond Recreation Association • Man of the Year, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Upsilon Nu (2006) • Man of the Year, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church (1997) • Man of the Year, Chamberlayne Youth Athletic Association, (2000) • Man of the Year, Chamberlayne Youth Athletic Association, (1998) • Treasurer, CYAA • Board of Directors, CYAA • Head Football Coach, CYAA• Girl Scouts (Volunteer/Mentor) • Jack & Jill of America, Richmond Chapter (Father Volunteer) • Boy Scouts (Volunteer/Mentor) • President, JCSU Alumni Association • Board Member, National Kidney Foundation • Inaugural Board Member, CVCHIP, LLC • Men for Go Red for Women (Central Virginia)

He also was a Connecting Link, Richmond (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and a Continental Guy, Richmond (VA) Chapter of Continental Societies, Inc., Richmond, Virginia Among Ed's numerous awards are: • Sustained Superior Performance Awards • Vice Presidential Hammer Award • Special Act Service Awards • COMPAD AWARDS Ed was an avid reader, fisherman (loved his boat, the Brittany Elliott), playing pinochle and especially playing tennis with his spouse for many years, trying his best to win matches consistently. He also tried his hand at bridge. He has an extraordinary collection of jazz albums and classical music. He loved his dogs on his life’s journey; Lucky (Dalmation), Jessica and Brandy (Irish Setters), Inky (Chow Chow), Ariel and Droopy (Husky and Pointer mix) and Neila (LAB).

Ed lived the quote of the famed Maya Angelou, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." In lieu of flowers, please offer expressions of sympathy to Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, North Carolina and St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia. We Love You Edward Godfrey West

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 13 at Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. from 6 to 7: 30 p. m., where a Connecting Link, Richmond (VA) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated Ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. followed by an Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Omega service at 7 p.m.

Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 14 at St. Philip's Episcopal Church,. 2900 Hanes Ave.

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Aris Austin sent Lily and Rose Tribute Spray for Edward Godfrey West - January 13, 2023

Our deepest condolences to Meaghan West and her family on the passing of a great father. Words fall short of expressing our sorrow for your loss. Love Meaghan's friends, Aris, Jasmine, Maya & Yolanda

Send flowers for Edward Godfrey West

Compassionate Lily Bouquet was sent for Edward Godfrey West - January 13, 2023

Peace & Serenity Dishgarden was sent for Edward Godfrey West - January 12, 2023

Life Celebration Spray was sent for Edward Godfrey West - January 11, 2023

William D Griffin planted 5 trees in memory of Edward Godfrey West . - January 13, 2023

Plant trees for Edward Godfrey West

Big West Forever

Prayers for all the family. Ed was a great guy and will be missed.

Marilyn, Meaghan, and Brennan, I was privileged to know you and Ed as part of Bellevue Elementary School's Family. I remember Ed as a supportive and loving father. May you be comforted by the caring thoughts of those around you, and my thoughts are with you now.
Sharon Collins Burton

May God's promise of continuing peace be with the West family now and forever. Eric & Ernie Armstrong

Mrs. West,
Despite the sincere sadness I feel at the loss of Mr. West, I am beyond grateful that I was able to honestly know him. Mr. West was a consistent and reliable father figure for a lot of us as Meaghan and Brennan's friends. He was always supportive at our school events and welcoming when we hung out at his home. We called him Mr. West respectfully but he was family to me too and whenever I would happen to see him in the years since then he made sure to let me know the feeling was mutual and he considered me a dear friend too. Thank you for everything Mr West, rest in peace.
I'man Robinson

To the Family, I did not have the honor of meeting this wonderful person. I was visiting another family the same time of Mr. West's wake. There were a lot of people at the wake so I was wondering who was being honored. As I was leaving someone told me his name. When I got home I visited the website and located this gentleman information. I read his obituary and was really moved by his life accomplishments. He was an extraordinary man! As I said, I didn't have the honor of meeting him, I can only hope that someone will continue his legacy! A wonderful example for young men to emulate! My condolences to the family. May God bless you all. Carol C. Waller, Chesterfield, Va

Condolences to Mr Ed West family. He was my mentor and gave me guidance at DLA Aviation. Donna Goode

I want to express my sincere condolences for the passing of Mr. West. He was a good and very caring person. Mr. West and I worked together at Defense Supply Center Richmond. Mr. West always took time to asked about my children and my family as well. There is one thing he did that I will never forget. I live an hour and a half south of Richmond. One day I did not come to work because my leg was hurting. Later on, that day I was admitted to the South Hill Hospital for a blood clot. At 6:00 that night there was a knock on my hospital door and Mr. West walked through the door. I will never forget the love he showed to me. Mr. West was the type of man that we all wish we could be. I am praying for you and your entire family. Floyd

My offer my deepest condolences for the loss of Edward G. West. Truly a gifted leader at the DLA who helped the betterment of those around him. A mentor, a companion, and a devoted friend. May God comfort the family in this time of sorrow. Dale Cottrell

Condolences to the family ! Junnie & Ida Jones

Marilyn and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Marilyn thank you for your contributions to Bon Secours Virginia and Bon Secours more broadly. Thank you to Peter Bernard for this thoughtful tribute. jay and stephanie mccutcheon

Wishing the family the comfort of loving memories of one who lived a most remarkable life . Thinking of you with deepest sympathies. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Dennis Winston and family

My condolences to the family. Mr. West was like a father to a lot young men and women during his career at DLA and will be truly missed. Rest in peace Mr. West.

My friend and fraternity brother, you will be greatly missed. You had the enthusiasm that would electrify a room and the laughter that could elevate the mood of the most negative of emotions.
In the words of that great secular prophet, Smokey Robinson, "I'll Miss You My Friend."
Rev. Dr. Frederick A. Wilson, JCSU'69, RHO SP67

Ed exemplified the true meaning of Friendship and Brotherhood. Rest In Peace my brother as you join that heavenly Chapter of Omega.

Precious in the Eyes of God is the death of one of his Saints. For well done has thee performed. May all whom knew him smile with Joy. Ase' J.R. Stallings II

RIP to a caring branch chief that I met since I have been at DLA. The West Family will be in my prayers during this difficult time. RIH Mr West.

Thanks for the memories 9ur family shared. May God continue to bless you and keep you. You have my deepest sympathy. Just know that Earth had n sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.From THD MCCLENNEY FAMILY

My buddy Ed has gone on to a place we all must go. He faced illness as he did life in general. He would say" Let's get on with it" with "punctuation" only he could provide. I loved being a chaparone with him when our children were in Jack and Jill. He made sure nothing went awry on our watch!! Great sense of humor and a really smart guy. Loved his wife children and grandchildren more than you could ever know. Stay strong Marilyn, Brennan, Meagan and Daniel; keep those babies close and share his legacy with them. Heaven has gained a bright star. We will miss him terribly. Much love , Sandra A. Bell, MD

Mike and Family, I send my love and condolences to you at the passing of Eddie. You are lifted in my prayers and remain in my thoughts. Be blessed and encouraged. Beulah Mitchell-Davis, Wmsburg VA (HHS 71)

TO: Marilyn, Brennan, Meaghan and Frat Brother Bill: Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of your HUSBAND, DAD and BROTHER-IN-LAW. Frat Brother Ed was a fine / humble gentleman who was well liked and well respected by all who had the honor to know him. He has fought a good fight!! May the legacy of love for his family give you measures of comfort and peace in the days, months and years ahead. And may Frat Brother Ed's soul now rest in ETERNAL peace.
Frat Brother E. Mckinley Spellman, Jr. Northern Virginia

The Peabody High School National Alumni Association, Inc and Classmates express our deepest condolences to The Edwards Family 33

Condolences to the family !

It is with deep sorrow that Gwendolyn and I share in the loss of our brother and friend Edward G. West with his family, classmates, friends, and acquaintances. As for me, there are not many people that I have met along my journey that have made a "lasting, positive impact of particular events, actions, etc."; i.e., legacy than "Mae West". Given the health challenges Eddie faced in his later years, the way he faced them reminds me of some words from the Apostle Paul as contained in 2 Corinthians Chapter 4:1 & 16-18 NLT – "Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new ministry [or way of life], we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So, we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." Rev. Dr. Phillip E. Davis Sr. JCSU Class of '70.