Nathaniel West

Nathaniel “Bradley” West, a native of Mathews, La., died Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010.

Mr. West was born on Dec. 29, 1946 as the first of identical twins. At age seventeen, he was paralyzed by an accidental gunshot wound and was confined to a wheelchair thereafter. He often said that because the accident changed the direction of his life for the better, he felt blessed by God. An independent and determined person, he finished high school while in the hospital. In 1971, while attending college in Clarksdale, Mississippi, he met his wife Joan Fries of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. They were married in Clarksdale in 1972. Although they had no children, they hoped their union might serve as an example of the power of love and unity. In 1980, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans, La. He worked for the Social Security Administration in Terrytown, La., as a contact representative from 1991 until he began kidney dialysis in 2004. He loved his work and took great pride and joy in serving others, especially the elderly and persons in distress. He learned how to drive a conversion van, which gave him a wonderful sense of freedom. He became a Baha’i in 1970 and spent the rest of his life trying to live in such a way that his deeds would be a testament to his faith. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of West Jefferson Parish. He was a man of great inner strength and faith, sensitive to the needs of others, quiet, non-judgmental, with a ready smile and infectious laugh. He will be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Fries West; twin brother, Nathan West; brothers, Rolando (Tracie) and Elton (Barbara) Bradley; sisters, Linda (Rodney Sr.) White, Carolyn (Adam Lee) Bland, Debra (William) Wheaton, Vivian Bradley and Sandra Johnson; maternal uncle, Sidney Charles; and numerous other relatives and friends.

He is buried at Morning Star Baptist Church Cemetery.

(Kennedy Funeral Home)

Nathaniel West