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Celebrating the life of the Reverend Dr. Franklin James West, Sr.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 9, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, March 11, 2026
WHEREAS, the Reverend Dr. Franklin James West, Sr., an esteemed faith leader, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and beloved member of the Richmond community, died on July 15, 2025; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from Salisbury High School in 1952, Franklin West dedicated himself to ministry and theological study, earning a bachelor's degree in theology from the Virginia Theological Seminary, a master's degree in philosophy and religion from Virginia Union University, and a doctor of divinity degree from New Hope Bible College and Seminary; and
WHEREAS, before embarking on his distinguished 55-year career in the ministry with the African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.), Franklin West served the country honorably as a member of the United States Army and later worked for some time as a certified building maintenance inspector; and
WHEREAS, Franklin West was licensed to preach in 1953, then ordained as an itinerate deacon in 1959 and as an itinerate elder in 1961; over his career, he was a pillar of the Virginia, Baltimore, and Western North Carolina Annual Conferences of the 2nd Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church and held pastoral appointments at A.M.E. churches throughout the Commonwealth, North Carolina, and Maryland; and
WHEREAS, Franklin West gave generously of his time over the years for the benefit of the community through his tireless efforts with a number of civic, faith, and advocacy organizations; and
WHEREAS, Franklin West moved to Richmond in his retirement, where he enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church and was a beacon of wisdom and love for all who knew him; and
WHEREAS, Franklin West will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his wife of 69 years, Marylene; his children, Priscilla, Franklin, Jr., Matilda, Zelda, Nathan, and Diane, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of the Reverend Dr. Franklin James West, Sr., a treasured member of the Richmond community whose light brightened countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of the Reverend Dr. Franklin James West, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.