West, Donelle

The trumpet sounded on Wednesday, January 19, 2011, our beloved daughter, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, Donelle Teria West completed her task, yielded her call, and left behind a legacy of love to her family and friends. Miss Donelle Teria West was born on November 9, 1977 in Queens, New York to Ella McPhatter and the late Donald West. She was a proud graduate of Jamaica High School, Class of 1995. She attended Bethune Cookman College and the University of Maryland University College. Growing up, her hobbies included swimming and karate. She was awarded numerous medals for her performances. She was employed at Verizon Wireless as a Customer Service Representative in Prince George County, Maryland. Donelle accepted Christ in her life and was a member of Bethesda Baptist Church in Queens, New York. She was very unique and vibrant. Her demeanor was that of humility and compassion; to know her was to love her. She was admired for her infectious personality. You were instantly drawn to her bright beautiful smile. She was very dedicated and protective of her loved ones. She treasured spending time with all of her family and friends. She was affectionately known as the family Psychologist aka “Ms. Fix It”. Donelle wanted to help and solve all the problems of everyone she came in contact with. She was a fashionista with eccentric and eclectic style. Her greatest sense of accomplishment came with the birth of her two children: daughter, Laila Amani and son, Amari Damon. She instantly fell in love with motherhood and adored her children. Laila and Amari filled her life with joy. She leaves to cherish her loving memories: daughter, Laila Amani Battles; son, Amari Damon Battles; special friend and father of her children, Damon Battles; mother, Ella McPhatter; grandmother, Christine Stinney; Grandma Breeda; brother and sister in law, Neil (Terrence) and Teree McPhatter; brother, Brent A. McPhatter ; nephews, Javon Mayfield and Michael Colden; nieces, Chloe G. McPhatter and Chara Colden; a very special uncle and his wife, Isaac (Rico) and Gertie Brown; Godmother and aunt, Hazel Stinney; Godbrother and cousin, Arlyn Brown; loving uncle, Conrad West; uncles, David Jr, Teddy (Hattie), Cornell, Tony, and Febbitt (Betty); aunts, Barbara, Anne (Quintin), Eurice (James) and Marcella; devoted family friends, Lloyd and Lois Lawson; and a host of loving cousins, family and friends.