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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.
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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
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