Patricia C. West

“God saw the road was getting rough, And the hills were hard to climb, So He closed your weary eyes and whispered, “Peace Be Thine” Dr. Patricia C. Lewis-West a woman known for her strength and character was born on September 25, 1942, in Chester, Pennsylvania. Peacefully, she on September 22, 2024. A lifelong resident of Chester, PA. Dr. Lewis-West is the oldest of ten children born to Joseph and Doris Lewis. At two months old, she became a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church located at 2nd Norris Street in Chester. Dr. Lewis-West’s early educational journey began at Immaculate Heart of Mary and concluded with graduation from Chester High School in 1963. Her secondary education began at Springfield College, at the Wilmington Delaware Campus, there she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Continuing her educational journey, she earned a Master of Science degree in Human Services from Springfield College. Dr. Lewis-West entered Widener University, to pursue and earned her Doctor of Education, with a concentration in Educational Administration. She enhanced her knowledge by attending numerous educational workshops and conferences, often presenting on the topic that most concerned her, the future of our African American Youth. At the time of her retirement, Dr. Lewis-West was an Associate Professor at Lincoln University in the School of Adult and Continuing Education Program. She instructed adults enrolled in the Master of Education Program at Lincoln University’s Philadelphia site. Dr. Lewis-West served as an advisor for the National Honor Society, Tau Zeta Chapter, at Lincoln. Instructing in the Early Childhood Program and the Education Leadership Program. Dr. West has always stated her passion for education comes from the many years she spent employed in the Chester Upland School District, working in several support positions. From 1996-2004, Dr. Lewis-West served as an elected official on Chester City Council. Her commitment was to serve the people of Chester. She was the director of several Chester City departments. Dr. West put an enormous amount of thought, planning and effort, with success, into cleaning all of Chester’s streets of debris. Her management style gave the workers in the departments under her authority, as well as the people a voice where their concerns could be heard. Dr. Lewis-West fervently believed that education is a lifelong process and that each of us owes a commitment to the learning process as long as we have breath. The message Dr. Lewis-West lived by was “Help Somebody.” Dr. Lewis-West was predeceased by her husband, Frederick West, her son Lamont R. Graves, her parents Joseph and Doris Lewis, sisters Monica and Viola “Toni” Lewis, brothers Melvin and Darrell Lewis; two grandsons Kyle and Demitrius. Patsy, as family affectionately called her, leaves to continue on her legacy, two sons, Kent R. Graves (Alice), Florida; Robert E. Graves (Carla), Chester PA. She is also survived by two brothers, Joseph “Jimmie” Lewis, Georgia and Micheal Lewis, South Carolina. Three sisters, Josephine “Josie” Davis, Chester, PA, Geraldine Duncan of Allentown, PA and Rosemary Lewis, Sharon Hill, PA; two sisters-in-law Ruth and Octavia Lewis. Eleven grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren; shared daughter Mahogany Lewis; along with several loving nieces, nephews, and good friends.

Patricia C. West

September 25, 1942 - September 22, 2024