Audrey M. West Brittenham, age 89 of Joplin, passed away at 4:02 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2014 at Freeman West Hospital after a brief illness.
Born December 23, 1924 in Joplin, she was the daughter of the late Charles West and Leland Badgley West and was a lifetime Joplin resident. Following her graduation from Joplin High School, Audrey began her career as a secretary. While working at the former Campbell 66 Express, she met Monte M. Brittenham, where he was working after serving in the Army during World War II. They were married December 27, 1947 in Carthage. Monte preceded her in death on February 24, 2006.
Audrey and Monte recognized the musical nature of their girls and made every sacrifice to help them develop their talents. Audrey, in the days of a one-car family, drove the girls to countless music lessons, rehearsals and events. After the girls went to college, she resumed her work as a medical secretary in a time before computers.
Audrey’s life was all about her family and friends. Raised in church, where her Dad led singing and her Mom played piano, she loved being at services and events. She had been an active member of First United Methodist Church for 44 years. She attended Sunday School, United Methodist Women and the Lunch Bunch. She was also a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
A praying woman, Audrey enjoyed helping others through regular prayer at the church prayer room. An avid reader, she loved both the church and public libraries. Audrey sent countless cards and letters to people for whom she cared. She also had a doll collection, loved her work in the yard, and raised beautiful flowers.
Survivors include her daughters, Gloria Sanborn and husband Larry, Glenda Austin and husband David, all of Joplin; three grandchildren, Barry Sanborn and wife Angela, Susan Perry and husband Rob, and Scott Austin. She was also thrilled with the arrival of four great-grandchildren, Issac Harper, Eden and Levi Perry and Tara Sanborn. She also leaves behind many friends, several cousins, nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Kenneth, Wayne and Lawrence; and sisters, Lorraine and Phyllis.
Memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Roger Nichols and Rev. Bruce Jacobs officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in Henderson Hall at the church. Private interment will be in Osborne Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon International or First United Methodist Church Missions Fund, both in care of Parker Mortuary.
No comments:
Post a Comment