Dorothy Eleanor Wilcher West was born on March 3, 1937 in Newark, NJ tot the late Curtis and Dorothy (Clements) Wilcher. Dorothy Eleanor, known as Eleanor to most of us, was named after her mother who said there could only be one Dorothy in the house. Her beloved husband, Franklin Delano “FD” West, Sr., always called her El.

At an early age, she was baptized at the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Newark, NJ. Eleanor was educated in the Orange Public Schools system in Orange, NJ, and graduated from Orange High School in 1955. She received and Associate Degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Eleanor’s first job was as a stock clerk at the Clarose Dress Shop in Orange, making fifty cents an hour. After high school graduation, she worked at Western Electric until moving to Omaha, NE. Upon returning to the east coast, Eleanor worked crushing glass at a factory in Montclair, NJ, and then at the RCA Corporation. On Novemer 21, 1964 Franklin and Eleanor got married and she moved to Washington, D.C.. Eleanor started working as a telephone operator at Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company (Verizon). Her office handled White House and Congressionadl long-distance calls. She advanced to the position of Associate Manager in the Engineering Department until her retirement in 1986, after 25 years of service.

Dedication to family, friends, church, and various other organizations were the focus of Eleanor’s life. Her faith in God was essential to her life from baptism and membership at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church to Pilgrim Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. and then to Union Branch Baptist Church in Amelia, VA. She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, played the piano for children groups, and worked in the kitchen, as well as served on other church ministries and committees. Active membership with the AARP and the Democratic Committee in Amelia also gave her joy. Eland FD traveled extensively for pleasure and to keep up with family and friends. Many of her friendships go back to growing up in New Jersey, living in Omaha, Suitland, MD and Amelia. Among her many pastimes, Eleanor was an incredible cook, preparing and serving remarkable meals with love. Oh, so many wonderful conversation were held around the table. Amongst other specialties we will all especially remember her waffles, cakes, pies, and sweet potato biscuits.

Dorothy Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of 57 years, Franklin D. West, Sr., a brother, Mustafaa Abdul-Baatin, a son, Antoine R. West, Sr., and a godson, Ronald Hill. Eleanor leaves to cherish her memory: her children Franklin D. West, Jr. (Sandra), Brenda R. Mitchener (Winfred), Eric D. West (Lee-Anne), daughter-in-law Edith C. West; grandchildren Franklin D. West, III (Hea Jin), Joshua West (Lour’des), DeMarco Mitchener, Antoine West, II (Janelle), Erin Conte (Kurstien), Erica Birchett (Kennyot), Jazmin West, Donavin West, Ella West, Noah Belinga-West, Aiden Belinga-West, and like a grandson Anwer Adem; great grandchildren Arianna West, A’mya West, Isabella West, Kamari West, Auden West, Avery Conte, Amelia Conte, Ainsley Conte, Ashton Conte, Ayla Rae Conte; sister Sarah E. Williams and like-a-little-sister Mamie Barley; goddaughter Laketra Wilkerson; brother-in-law Walter B, West, Sr. (Demple); sister-in-law Delois A. West; along with host of other treasured family members and friends. Dorothy Eleanor West’s life and legacy will have a lasting impact on generations to come.

Eric and Lee-Anne were incredible in providing a home for El and FD during their precious twilight years. A special thank you is also extended to Dr. Lee-Anne West, Dorothy Eleanor’s daughter-in-law who provided compassionate love and care throughout her illness. Lee-Anne’s expertise gave Eleanor comfort and maintained her dignity, especially during her last days in their home.