Helen Virginia (Jenny) West

January 26, 1934 - December 11, 2024

Helen Virginia (Jenny) West, 90 years old, of Salem entered the Gates of Heaven on December 11, 2024. 

Jenny was born in Maryville, Tennessee, on January 26, 1934, to John and Frances Helton. She was the oldest of 5 children, the much-loved big sister to siblings Jack, Cara Sadie, Jerry, and Paul. She grew up helping around the house and taking care of younger siblings. Always a good student, after graduating from Everett High School, she went on to Carson-Newman College to pursue her dream to become a teacher. While there, she caught the eye of her future husband, Franklin West, in the Carson-Newman cafeteria who in his later years confided that he thought she looked like Ava Gardner. Before long, Frank and Jenny were meeting there to share meals, building a loving relationship that would last a lifetime. They were married after graduation in 1956 and moved to Richmond where Jenny got her first teaching job while Frank attended graduate school. It was there where their first son, Mark, was born. From Richmond, they moved to Salem where Frank got a job at the Veterans Administration and Jenny taught elementary school for 33 years, only taking a few years off when son David was born in 1963. She retired from teaching in 1990 and enjoyed more time for her family and some traveling, most memorable were trips to England and Germany where Mark was stationed in the Air Force. She was an active member of Salem Baptist Church for many years. 

Jenny was a very devoted mom who juggled her many roles with the love and grace that were her trademarks. Her family was blessed by her loving heart, hard work to keep the household running smoothly in addition to her full-time job, and her devotion to God and her family.

Even after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Jenny remained a caring mother and grandmother. Her compassion and gentle spirit remained untouched as her memory began to unravel, but her smile and twinkling blue eyes still lit up the room.

Jenny was preceded in death by her husband Frank West, parents, brothers Jack, Paul, and Jerry, sister Cara Sadie French, sisters-in-law Eura Banner, Esther West, Bobbie West; brothers-in-law Mike French, Terry West, John William West, James Turner, and Clyde Banner, sisters-in-law Esther West, Bobbie West, and Faye Helton, daughter-in-law Jennifer West and nephew Jamie Turner.

Jenny is survived by son Mark (Kathryn) and grandson John of Floyd, VA; son David (Denise) of Huddleston, VA; grandson Sam (Lisa), step-granddaughters Leslie, Brittany, Kelly, and Jenna and their families; and great grandchildren Chloe, Jackson, and Katelyn of Port St Lucie, FL; sisters-in-law Mary Alice Turner of Salem, VA, Barbara Helton and Louvenia Helton, both of Maryville, TN.

A celebration of Jenny’s life will be held at Gardners’ Funeral Home in Floyd, VA, on December 18, 2024, with visitation from 1-2pm and the funeral service immediately following at 2pm. A private burial will take place later at the family cemetery in Floyd. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the members of the Visiting Angels, Medi Home Health and Hospice, Snyders Nursing Home and the many compassionate caregivers who touched Jenny’s life at a difficult time, especially Lois Lynch.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, act.alz.org.

Sorry for yeah loss prayers is for the family and friends

Mark, Kathryn Sorry to hear of your Mothers passing. Sounds like she was a very special Mom. Maurice Q.

Jenny was one of my favorite aunts. I always enjoyed her company. She was a kind, sweet and compassionate person. She was loved by all, and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire West family. Love, Becky West Smythers

Aunt Jenny was a blessing to all of us who were fortunate enough to know and spend time with her. From my first meeting with her as Uncle Frank’s lovely, charming bride to family gatherings throughout the years, she was always so kind, sweet, and gracious to everyone. Casey and I send love and prayers. Joan West

Jenny was a beutiful soul. She touched many lives. I had the honor of meeting her & Frank a few years ago while working for Visiting Angels. Frank was so proud of his beuatiful wife and he loved telling story how he met her & fell in love. Jenny will be sadly missed I know she once again is holding hands with her true love in Heaven. My condolances to the family.