Mary Ann West was born on December 18, 1942, in Franklin, KY to the late Lall West and the late Ida Johnson. She was the third of ten children.

She attended and proudly graduated from Lincoln High School in Franklin, Kentucky, Class of 1960. At an early age, she gave her life to Christ and became a devoted member of Grater Taylor Chapel AME Church, where she served faithfully as a stewardess and as chairperson of the Hospitality Ministry.

Mary Ann was employed at the Franklin Shirt Factory and later retired from the Franklin-Simpson School System. In retirement, she enjoyed watching The Young and the Restless, preserving fresh fruits and vegetables for the winter, working through word search puzzle books, and going on occasional lunch outings with her friends. Her greatest joy, however, was tending to her outdoor flowers every summer. She took immense pride in planting her flowers every summer, daring any child to step on or come too close to her beautifully adorned flowerpots.

A beloved and constant presence in the Harristown and Franklin communities, Mary Ann was well known at local businesses such as Piggly Wiggly, where her familiar face and warm personality left a lasting impression.

Affectionately known as “Ann”, she was a cornerstone of her family — a mother figure to many — who never hesitated to offer stern yet loving advice in her own unique way. She valued family deeply and enjoyed family gatherings. It was imperative for her to cook Sunday dinner every week and make sure it was ready for her family who would stop by after church.

She loved joking and having fun, always bringing joy to her friends and family. On summer days, it became a cherished tradition for people—young and old—to pass by her porch, hoping to catch a glimpse of her and exchange playful teasing, knowing she would respond in a way only she could.

Ann, our unique, loving, nurturing, keep it real, straight-shooting, and resilient jewel, departed this life on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her son, Johnny West, and three of her siblings. She leaves to cherish her memory: four sisters, Orean (Claude) Ray, Ora Lee (Charlie) Offutt, Judy (Bill) Leavell, and Bessie L. West; two brothers, Phillip (Teretha) West and Leon West; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends; and a special nephew, Dylan R. Holder, who was like a son to her.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her — her family, her friends, and her community.

Visitation

Date: Friday May 23, 2025

Place: Greater Taylor Chapel AME Church 604 Jefferson St. Franklin, Ky

Time: 4:00PM - 6:00PM 

Wake

6:00PM - 8:00PM

Funeral Service

Date: Saturday May 24, 2025

Place: Greater Taylor Chapel AME Church 604 Jefferson St. Franklin, Ky

Time: 11:00AM

Burial will be at Shady Rest Cemetery Franklin, Ky