Edward Godfrey West
08/07/1948 - 01/02/2023
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.