Lucille West

Lucille married Eldridge Paul West in 1945 and gave birth one year later, on May 7, 1946, to Edridge Paul West Jr. Shortly thereafter, she took work as an Operator with Telephone Company formally known as (Bell Atlantic) so that she could provide all of the material comforts possible for her family. She was among the first person of color to be hired in the company, and she quickly worked her way up the ranks. Within a few years, by displaying her problem-solving talents, charm, and beautiful clothing, she was promoted to manager. On October 12, 1963, Lucille gave birth to her second son, Lloyd McKinely Smith (aka Shadid Abdul-Latif). Lucille and Carter McKinely Smith often remarked that their son was a surprise and a gift they were not expecting.

Lucille was an avid traveler. She traveled to at least 22 countries. She decorated her refrigerator with magnets boasting Rome, Paris, and Kingstonsmall trinkets of cruises and vacations she cherished. Lucille truly lived a life of simple pleasures; devoting her time to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, close friends, and neighbors. Lucille had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way.

After she retired from the phone company (Verizon) in 1986, she dedicated her spare time to improving the lives of those she loved. She often hosted barbeques, birthday parties, and holidays at her residence in Brooklyn, NY. Her favorite meal to prepare was rice and peas with ox tails on the side. She loved her Jamaican culture! When she was 85 years old, she decided to move to Maryland to join her son (Lloyd aka Shadid) and his family. She arrived just in time for the birth of her youngest granddaughter, Layla (Lulu). Lucilles eagerness to contribute to the happiness of others was also reflected in her volunteer position on the Board of Leisure World Mutual 22, the retirement community where she chose to live for over five years. Similarly, she volunteered for the Lions Club where she raised money for surgeries for people with vision impairment and scholarships for high school students who wanted to attend college. She wore her Lions Club vest proudly, and it was decorated with pins she had earned for her service.

Her family tree has grown extensively as follows: grandsonsMark Turner, 1967, Troy West, 1976, and Cashe West in 1982; granddaughters Tiffany Smith, 1987, Brittney Smith, 1988, Gyny Smith-Cuff, 1990, and Layla Kulthum Abdul-Latif, 2013.

Lucille left a host of great-grandchildren including: Marcus Cicero, Diamond West, Cody West, Tory West, Tina West, Cashe West Jr., August West, Jahzier Wilson, Josiah Wilson, Jayvion Wilson, Jream Wilson, Infinite Cuff-Bethune, Odyssey Wilson and a great-great-grandson Elias Green.

Lucille West will be deeply missed by her family, friends, neighbors, and all who knew her.