Emilee A. West

"Well done, good and faithful servant."
 Matthew 25:23

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the life of Emilee Antoinette West, who entered eternal rest on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the age of 68.

Born on July 21, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois, Emilee was the youngest beloved daughter of Mary Calloway West and the late Avery West. She was raised in a family that valued hard work, resilience, and love - qualities she carried with her throughout every season of her life.

She approached life with determination, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. From an early age, she demonstrated remarkable discipline, earning her brown belt in martial arts as a child. As a student, she excelled in track and field during her high school years, reflecting the drive and perseverance that would define her throughout life. She was a proud graduate of Woodward High School's Class of 1976 and continued her education at the University of Cincinnati, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

Emilee was a woman whose life reflected service, strength, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She began her professional career as a Crew Scheduler for ComAir, proudly following in the footsteps of her mother and sisters, who also built careers in the airline industry. She later found her calling in hospitality, where she spent many years creating welcoming experiences for others while working at The Westin Cincinnati and The Westin River North in Chicago, Illinois.

Her life was marked by a genuine heart for service. She continued that calling through her work with the Social Security Administration, where she faithfully served for over 15 years before retiring in 2021. In recognition of her exceptional dedication and contributions, she was honored with the agency's highest award - the Commissioner's Citation. Throughout her career, whether assisting airline crews, welcoming guests in hospitality, or serving the public, Emilee carried herself with compassion, professionalism, and quiet grace, making every person she encountered feel seen and valued.

Emilee found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved settling in with classic films on Turner Classic Movies, cheering for a good Western, or enjoying an action-packed film. She had an incredible sense of humor that could brighten any room and a fierce sense of style that reflected her confidence, grace, and individuality. Whether she was perfectly put together or sharing a laugh with those she loved, Emilee carried herself with warmth and authenticity. These everyday moments brought her happiness and reflected her appreciation for good stories, adventure, laughter, and the beauty found in living life fully.

Above all else, Emilee's greatest joy was her children. She loved them fiercely and devoted herself to raising them with faith, integrity, and unwavering love. She taught them that their word was their bond, that prayer was not just for difficult moments, but a foundation for everyday life, and that family is a gift to be protected, cherished, and cared for. She instilled in each of them the importance of loving one another unconditionally, standing together through life's joys and challenges, and never forgetting where they came from. The values she poured into her children became the legacy she was most proud to leave behind.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: Alexis M. Thomas, Ashleigh M. Daniels, and Avan M. Odom II.

She was the proud and devoted grandmother of Savannah M. Thomas, Addison G. Thomas, Chrisana D. Thomas, Elle N. Daniels, Xavier D. Moore, Avan M. Odom III, and Avery M. Odom, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life.

She is also lovingly remembered by her mother, Mary Calloway West; her sisters, Wanda Hicks, Michelle Jones (Donald Jones, Sr.), and Janice West-Wheatley; her brothers, Craig West (Lisa West), Malcolm West, and William Cooper (Angela Cooper); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were touched by her warmth and kindness.

Emilee was a devoted Christian and a faithful member of Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her faith was an anchor throughout her life and remained a source of strength, hope, and peace.

Though her physical presence no longer walks beside us, Emilee's love remains woven into the lives of everyone she touched. Her legacy lives on through her family, her faith, her kindness, and the countless memories she leaves behind. She taught us resilience, compassion, and the importance of showing up for the people we love.

While our hearts grieve her absence, we find comfort in knowing that the love she gave so freely can never be taken away. It lives on in every lesson she taught, every laugh she shared, every embrace she offered, and every life she helped shape.

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