Rev. William Joseph "Joe" West

May 24, 1931 - March 4, 2022

The Rev. William Joseph “Joe” West, 90, went to be with his Lord Friday, March 4, 2022. He was home and surrounded by his grateful and loving family. Born in McLeansville May 24, 1931 to the late Walter Thomas and Effie Eula McCormick West, Joe attended Wake Forest University and lived his life in service to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He served Immanuel Baptist Church, Peace United Church of Christ, and Pleasant Ridge Christian Church in Greensboro. Joe served his Lord and community with great courage. His ministry was on the cutting edge of 60’s activism which included racial integration, the establishment of a mission among the Native American population, and literacy and life skills programs for the disenfranchised. He served on the first Human Relations Commission in the city and was a member of the founding group for what is now Greensboro Urban Ministry. In his later years, Joe served several congregations on an interim basis facilitating congregational healing, strengthening Christian educational programs, and church development and growth. He was licensed to preach at age 16, and after three attempts, Joe retired from full-time ministry at age 81. In addition to his Christian service, Joe served his country in the Army during the Korean conflict. He was an avid runner, cyclist, and reader. Joe is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Gracie Mae Cook West, and his daughter, Julia “Julie” E. West, both of Greensboro. A Memorial Celebration honoring Joe’s life will be held Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 3:00 pm at Immanuel Baptist Church with the Rev. Don Clement and the Rev. Jill Getty officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday, March 12 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Forbis & Dick Funeral Service N. Elm Street Chapel. Memorials may be directed to Authoracare Hospice of Greensboro or the American Cancer Society.