Senate Resolution No. 216

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Reverend Doctor Jerry B.
West Sr., distinguished citizen, man of faith, and
devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Jerry B. West Sr., born in Queens New York, died on
December 25, 2024, at the age of 77; and

WHEREAS, Jerry B. West Sr. attended P.S. 111 and Junior High School
204 in the Long Island City Area of Queens, New York, and distinguished
himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial
contribution to the welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, Growing up attending Long Island City Gospel Tabernacle,
this is where Jerry B. West Sr. received a solid religious foundation,
learning both about prayer and the deeper understandings of scripture;
and

WHEREAS, Jerry B. West Sr. began preaching at the young age of 14,
conquering an intense stuttering problem through his faith, allowing him
to blossom him into a captivating and strong preacher for the rest of
his devout life; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 16, Jerry B. West Sr. became an ordained
minister and enjoyed traveling around New York City meeting likeminded
youth; and

WHEREAS, Quickly finding passion in the field of mathematics during
his time at Central Commercial High School, Jerry B. West Sr. graduated
with a specialization in accounting; following his graduation, he
attended York College where he majored in Accounting, and was later
conferred a Doctor of Religious Studies degree from Trinity Hall
College; and

WHEREAS, One Sunday after church service, he attended a church
musical where he met the woman who would soon become the love of his
life and cherished wife, Betty Jean Coaxum; and

WHEREAS, The two married in November of 1968 and went on to have
three beautiful children, Lelethia, Jerry Jr., and Samuel Bruce; and

WHEREAS, The Reverend Dr. Jerry B. West Sr. began attending the Holy
Trinity Church of God in Christ with his family; his dedication to the
church resulted in being named an Elder; in addition to being placed
over the Council of Elders and Ministers in the church, he began to
serve as the department head of the Eastern New York Jurisdiction's
newly created office of Civic and Urban Affairs; and

WHEREAS, Committed to bettering his community, The Reverend Dr.
Jerry B. West Sr. spearheaded the introduction of the jurisdiction to
the "Summer Lunch Program" and convinced many local pastors and churches
of varying denominations to receive food and serve it daily to local
children throughout summers; and

WHEREAS, After serving diligently for 15 years at his local church,
The Reverend Dr. Jerry B. West Sr. accepted the office of Pastor; he
later purchased a building which was formerly owned by the late
Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm; Pastor West and Lady Betty founded Mt.
Moriah Church of God in Christ and the Mt. Moriah Christian Academy at
this location; and

WHEREAS, The Reverend Dr. Jerry B. West Sr. also took up the task to
transform the local park in the neighborhood, Lincoln Terrace Park, into
a more safe, clean, and lively space for all of the local community; he
began preaching there at night, delivering sermons and songs, referring
to his efforts as "Urban Missionary Work"; he would engage with local
people in need of help or guidance, offering prayer and conversation
without discrimination; and

WHEREAS, Now, 40 years later, Lincoln Terrace Park is a beautiful
place with lush gardens, freshly painted ball courts, and more; this
revitalization is credited to this devoted preacher who refused to sit
idly by; and

WHEREAS, The Reverend Dr. Jerry B. West Sr.'s commitment to
excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of
enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, The Reverend Dr. Jerry B. West Sr. is survived by his
daughter, Lelethia Colleen Wooten (Cedric); sons, Jerry West Jr.
(Celeste), and Samuel Bruce West (Courtney); nine grandchildren,
Gabriel, Kaitlyn, Michael, Sydney, Taylor, Aniyah, Samantha, Kendrick,
and Miles; brothers, Altion (Elaine), Alphonso (Mattie), Donald
(Rebecca), Larnel (Connie), Kenny Rae (Patricia), William (Princess),
and David; sisters, Geraldine, Arlene (Dean), Irene, and Sitara (Ernie);
and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, The Reverend Dr. Jerry B. West Sr. leaves behind a legacy
which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a
comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Reverend Doctor Jerry B. West Sr., distinguished
citizen, man of faith, and devoted member of his community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of The Reverend Dr. Jerry B. West Sr.