Leona Jones Westbrook “Bigmama”
October 7, 1923-March 2-, 2022
We were more loved and adored than we could ever have deserved. Loved by a woman who loved us as her God loved her, faithfully and unfailing until her last breath, cherished beyond our understanding. Though our hearts are saddened by a loss so great as this, we rejoice in knowing our Bigmama is now in the arms of Jesus. She was born October 7, 1923, married our Granddaddy, Lawrence Lynn Westbrook Sr. in January of 1942 and he spoiled her rotten until his death in 1984. Together they raised their children, and helped raise their grandchildren. After his passing she continued to help raise her great-grandchildren. Her door was always open for little ones to run away to, or fill their bellies with all the Little Debbie Cakes and goodies they could ever want.
She was a member of Lee Road Baptist Church beginning in 1969 where she served as a Director of Children’s Sunday School, an active choir member for over 30 years, and the W.M.U Director.
In addition, after raising all of us, she managed to have a 45 year career at Buy-Low Beauty Supply, not because she had to work, but because she wanted money to spoil us, wanted to ease the work load of Leigh and Larry, and keep an eye on everyone to make sure they were behaving as she saw fit. Her prayers always seemed to have a more direct line to God to than some of ours, and she never let a day pass without praying for all of us and anyone else who needed lifting. She wanted everyone to love Jesus.
Leona Jones Westbrook was also predeceased by her son Lawrence Lynn Westbrook Jr., and her sister Mary Roberts Crow. She leaves behind her daughter, Leigh Rochester and son-in-law, Larry Rochester, as well as a daughter-in-law, Gayle Duggan. In addition there are 4 grandchildren, Anita Westbrook Childers (Scott Childers), Jay Westbrook, Kenneth Scott Young (Abby Middlebrooks Young), Tammy Young Rogers ( J. Shane Rogers). She also leaves an even greater joy, she leaves behind 11 great grandchildren. Victoria Westbrook, Jessica Westbrook, Dr. Lauren Childers Clayton (Barrett Clayton), Adam Childers, Noah-Benjamin Rogers (Kailee Hickum), Maggie Rogers, Will Young, Bo Rogers, Jacob Young, Brooks Young, and Avery Young. For 2 years, Bigmama was a thrilled great- great grandmother to Graelyn Rogers. Who may steal the show at her funeral, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Her babies were her everything. She considered herself to be the second mother to Mahlon and Margaret Waters, and considered them her children as well.
She ruled the roost for 98 long years, kept us all on our toes, and never forgot to remind us to wear shoes, or put on a jacket so we didn’t “catch Pneumonia”. Bigmama, you will be missed fiercely, but rest assured in knowing that all your scolding’s and prayers are working in our lives daily, and until we meet again, you can have Granddaddy all to yourself.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. at Lee Road Baptist Church. The funeral service to celebrate Bigmama will follow at 12:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Burial will be held in Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made in her memory to TD Synnex Share the Magic by visiting www.synnexcorp.com/sharethemagic/donate or mailing to 39 Pelham Ridge Drive Greenville, SC, 29615 or Project Hope Foundation by visiting projecthopesc.kindful.com, both organizations were very dear to her.
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