Rev. Dr. Franklin James West, Sr.

The Reverend Dr. Franklin James West, Sr., a beacon of divinely inspired wisdom and love, completed his earthly journey on July 15, 2025, in Richmond, Virginia. He was born on October 26, 1933, in Delmar, Maryland, to the late Monroe Franklin and Evelyn Elizabeth West, he was a man whose life was a testament to the power of faith in God. Reverend West was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Marylene West, with whom he shared 69 blessed years of marriage. Their union was blessed with five children, a foster daughter, seventeen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many beloved godchildren. His formative years were marked by academic excellence and a deeply rooted call to serve the Lord. Rev. West graduated from Salisbury High School in 1952 and earned a Bachelor of Theology from Virginia Theological Seminary in Lynchburg, Virginia. His dedication to ministry and theological study led him to obtain a Master of Philosophy and Religion from Virginia Union University and a Doctor of Divinity from New Hope Bible College and Seminary. Before entering full-time ministry, he served honorably in the United States Army and later became a certified building maintenance inspector. Reverend West’s calling to the ministry was clear from a young age, as he preached to his siblings in the yard and as stated in his High School yearbook his ambition was to be a minister. He was licensed to preach in 1953 and his ministerial journey within the African Methodist Episcopal Church was marked by milestones of devotion. He was ordained as an Itinerate Deacon in 1959 and as an Itinerate Elder in 1961. He was a pillar of the Virginia, Baltimore and Western North Carolina Annual Conferences of the 2 nd Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church. His pastoral appointments included: Bethel AME Salem, VA, Beulah AME Farmville, VA, Lee’s Chapel AME Chesapeake, VA, St. Luke AME Chesapeake, VA, St. James AME Norfolk, VA, Macedonia AME Accomack, VA, 3 rd Street Bethel AME Richmond, VA, Bethel AME Cambridge, MD, St. James AME Harve De Grace, MD, St. Paul AME Newport News, VA, and St. Stephen AME Liberty, NC. He served on the Board of Examiners and Finance Committee for the Virginia and Baltimore Conferences and in many other capacities throughout the 2nd Episcopal District. He served for 55 years in the ministry before his retirement. After retirement he resided in Raeford, NC and joined St. Luke AME Fayetteville, NC and then moved to Richmond, VA joining 3rd St. Bethel AME. He consistently inspired souls as the Annual West Day Reunion preacher for over six decades. Wherever he was he demonstrated through his actions the very essence of Christian love, touching hearts and uplifting lives. A man of action and service, Reverend West's influence extended well beyond the church walls. He was actively involved in Social Action. His commitment to justice and equality was evident through his lifetime membership in the NAACP and executive committee role in Dorchester County. He served on the Dorchester Community Development Corporation, an advocate with the Maryland Citizen Action Coalition, President of the Good Shepherd's Association, a member of the Ministerial and Lay Alliance in multiple localities, served on the advisory board of the Salvation Army, and the Empower Hampton Roads Coalition of Churches. This is only a sample of his untiringly dedication to mankind. Reverend West found joy in simple pleasures like walking, reading, and taking care of his yard. His storytelling and jokes were the heart of many gatherings laced with wisdom and providing not just entertainment but also life lessons to his listeners. Reverend West is lovingly remembered by his cherished family, including his wife, Marylene West; children, Priscilla Wilson (Kevin), Franklin West, Jr., Matilda Watson (Darryl), Dr. Zelda Johnson (Randall), Nathan West, Sr. (Tonya), one foster daughter Diane Byrd Freeman; his seventeen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, godchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his sisters, Edith Harris and Elsie Lucas; sister-in-law, Betty West; and brother-in-law, Herman Council. He joins in glory his siblings Marie Powell, Reba Jackson, Ardella Herne, Lorraine Jarman, and brother Robert West, Sr., who preceded him in death. As we celebrate his homegoing, let us embrace his teachings and continue his mission of spreading love and hope. His life was a testament that truly embodied the love of Christ. While we will miss him dearly, we rejoice in knowing his spirit continues to guide us, and we shall strive to live by the profound lessons he imparted throughout his remarkable journey with us.

Remains rest at Joseph Jenkins Jr. Funeral Home, 2011 Grayland Avenue, where the family will receive friends on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, 11:00am, at Third Street Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 614 N. Third Street, where remains will lie in state one hour prior to the funeral time. Rev. Reuben J. Boyd (Pastor). Interment Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the church at 10:45am on Saturday.

Online condolences are available at www.jenkinsjr.com.