Abbie Jewel "Kitty" West

Abbie Jewel "Kitty" West obituary, Union Town, AL

Abbie West Obituary

Abbie Jewel "Kitty" West passed away Aug. 18 after a long struggle with cancer. She was 89. Born in Union Town, Ala., to Anna Mae (nee Presley) and James Kirk Slawson, Abbie Jewel was the second of six children. When she was a child, the family moved to Shuqualak, Miss., a small farming community where her grandfather was a preacher, but, as she recalled, the family traveled throughout the area to pick cotton. As a teenager of uncommon independence, and eager to find her place in a larger, post-WWII world, she traveled by bus to New Orleans. Soon she began a career in show business, becoming the burlesque legend Evangeline the Oyster Girl. A headliner throughout her career, she took pride late in her life in pointing out that she was once featured in Life Magazine. She married a prominent jockey, Jerry West, and they later operated a few small businesses in New Orleans. After her husband's death in 2001, she retired to Bay St. Louis. She is survived by her brother Johnny Slawson; her sons, Robert and Gary West, and his wife, Terri; her grandsons, Nathan and Spencer West; many wonderful nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and several dear friends. Plans are pending for a memorial gathering on Sept. 14.

Published by The Advocate from Aug. 21 to Aug. 25, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Abbie West

Not sure what to say?





My Aunt Jewel... forever loved and missed ...always in my heart. Love and miss you always, RIP Kristy

Kristy Breaux Harris

Family

August 15, 2020

I am just learning of Miss West homegoing.
I purchased my first home (prentiss & arts) in 2000-2001 from Miss West, she was very nice & helped my dream come true. She was a GEM to me and I'd occasionally visit her at the motel on Chef for some laughs. Thanks a Milly Miss West, Rest in Paradise

Tammie Banks Warren

January 2, 2020

I. Will. Miss you

Myrtis Dyer

September 6, 2019

Once in a lifetime a person is blessed by having a wonderful and special person touch their life, that they can call "Mother". Your genuine love, understanding and inspiration, I will forever hold dear in my heart. Be happy my special "angel". I will miss you now and forever, until we see each other again.

Juanita Whitng

August 25, 2019

Dancing in the bright lights and sound stage with angels
Will miss you love Mark and Pam Fortier

Pam Fortier

August 22, 2019

We know your day had to come, to go back Home to everyone ,I heard it's full of color and love with every road paved in gold . Many mansions our Fathers House where the soul is set free. No pain,sorrow and fear will be gone.In our hearts your memory will live on .Be sure to give everyone Our Love while your being greeted above .So fly high and test your wings and listening to the angels sing , oh I hope you're dancing in the sky and singing in the angels choir

Pamela Fortier

August 22, 2019

Lori Woodard

August 22, 2019

I am so blessed and thankful to have met and come to know Aunt Jewel over the last year and a half. Her life stories are amazing. The most special one for me is her remembrance of my husband Sam Woodard's birth and adoption. I believe she was brought to us for this reason. Though our time with her was brief, there was a lifetime of love shown to us by her and her family. Thank you Aunt Jewel. You were our special Angel here on earth and have now gained your Heavenly Angel wings. Rest in peace. We love you and will miss you always. ❤

Lori Woodard

August 22, 2019

Feeling comfort that I was able to meet and enjoy Aunt Jewels presence. Her account of my birth with her sister, my mother Edna, really exemplified her character and spunk she carried through her life.
Even though my time with her was very short, I am proud to have met her and be related to this lady. Love you Aunt Jewel and will miss you. Your once lost nephew.

Sam Woodard

August 22, 2019

My dear Aunt Jewel will always be loved and missed. She left a wonderful legacy to me and her family that will always be cherished. I'll always remember Aunt Jewel as a strong, charismatic, loving person and aunt. She will be in my heart always! Rest now and be in peace with Jesus Aunt Jewel, I love you!!

Kristy Breaux Harris

August 22, 2019

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in Abbie West's name

Memorial Events
for Abbie West

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Abbie's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Abbie West's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more