Ora Bernice West

Ora Bernie West was born September 15, 1928 in Elsberry, Missouri to Hayden and Eva Steele. Her family moved to Omaha when she was 11 years old, she remained in the South Omaha community up until 7 years ago when she moved in with her son Keith. Bernice or (Granny) as she was called by many, accepted Christ at a very young age. Our Mother worked for OPS and was one of the first community resource officers at Indian Hill School, she worked in the nursery at the Old St. Catherines Hospital until it closed, she then was among the first employees to work at the new Bergan Mercy Hospital, she also worked for E.N.O.A., Holy Family and First Data. Bernice was a family person and did not hesitate to remind us and all family members “you ain’t got nothing but family, and you can’t pick your family.” Our Mother had an address book with everybod’s phone number and kept it updated, she called us all regularly (some more than others), and expected you to return her call, and we did. Mama had many good friends thru out her life and it remained that way until their passing. Our parents instill much in us, first you go to school and graduate, you work, then leave the nest and take care of yourself; they remained, however, helpful and supportive. It was a long road for Mama with many bumps, twist and turns. God gave her 96 years. She said she was just waiting on Jesus. On June 12th 2025 God claimed what was His, To God Be The Glory. Bernice Steele was united in marriage to Grant West in 1948, to this union 7 children were born. She is preceded in death by husband Grant West, daughters Marla West McKain and Belinda West Malone. She leaves to cherish her memory, daughters, Carla Johnson, and Donna Curtis, sons Hayden-West (Vickie) Gerald West, Darrell Lincoln West (Diane), 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, cousins James Smart and Rev. Peter Smart, nieces and nephews.

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