Margaret Jones West

Margaret Jones West passed peacefully away on Monday, July 25, 2022 in Ocean Springs, MS at aged 98, with her daughter, Diane, by her side, singing her a favorite hymn, “I’ll Fly Away”.

She was born a simple country girl in Thornton, Arkansas to James Joseph & Velma Jones on March 13, 1924. Farm life back then was hard, but family life was rich, & those cultural roots ran deep. In 1947, she married her one true love, Oliver N. West (Major, USAF), & embarked on a more adventurous life than she had ever imagined. Together they travelled to over 13 countries & 18 states!

She loved family & friends, flowers, trees, birds, beaches, clouds, a good book, blues music, & the simple pleasures of home & hearth. She valued kindness, honesty, humility, gentleness & integrity — & she embodied all of those attributes in full measure. Her quiet fortitude & resilience were an inspiration; & her sweet disposition endeared her to many.

Her beloved husband, Ollie (2012) & her daughter Melanie West Wallace (2018) preceded her in death. She is survived by daughter Diane West-Bourke, brother Marcus Dewayne Jones, his wife Ola Belle Jones & their family, niece Dana Gaddy, & various cousins & “out-laws”.

A Visitation & Memoriam will be held Wednesday, August 3rd from 4:00 — 7:00 pm at the Benton Funeral Home Chapel in Fordyce, Arkansas. The memorial service begins at 6:00 — a time for sharing memories, poems, hymns, & reflections on her long, rich life. She will be laid to rest in Callaway Cemetery, Thornton, Arkansas, Thursday, August 4th at 10:00 am. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.