Joan C. West, 85, formerly of Chesapeake, VA, and a resident of a nursing home in Norfolk, VA, passed away March 16, 2026.

She was born on October 25, 1940 in Lake Geneva, WI, the daughter of Raymond H. West and Alferetta Randolph West. She grew up in St. Petersburg, FL.

Joan was a Jehovah’s Witness and participated in congregational activities. She loved Jehovah her God. She was a horticulturist and loved everything to do with plants.

Joan is survived by her children: Alan J. Dietrich, Theresa D. Hilliard and her husband David K. Hilliard, Rhonda G. Lovell and her husband William “Bill” Lovell. She is preceded in death by her sons, Dale R. Dietrich and Willie O. Richardson III. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Ricardo (Rick) Marques and his wife Melissa, Christopher Marques, Christopher Girouard and his wife Erica, Monique Pellegrin and her husband Joshua, and Benjamin Deshotels and his wife Amber; as well as 15 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Cremation has been chosen in accordance with her wishes. Arrangements will be private and low key, with no public memorial planned. The family intends to hold a small get-together in Florida at a later time to place her ashes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses through jw.org or to a local Kingdom Hall.