Graydon Christine West

Graydon Christine West, 91, of Athens went home to be with her heavenly Father on Monday, September 6, 2021. We know she is having a glorious reunion with her parents, Arch and Ruth Murr formerly of the Rocky Springs Community of Madisonville, her husband of 46 years who she worked side by side with at their Aluminum Foundry after she had raised their children to adulthood, and who she gave tireless loving care to during his year or lung cancer and her dear sister, who married one of Ralph’s cousins, Glenda “Matt” Murr West. Waiting their time to welcome her home will be her mother and father-in-law, Janie and Ambers West, sister and brothers-in-law Ritha Mae and Vannie Wallace, Ellie Bryant and JR West. Her precious Grandson, Christopher Michael West, and Great-Grandson Tanner Lee Umphrey, who will continue to make her laugh as he did on earth.

Graydon grew up attending Rocky Springs Baptist Church where she and her parents were very active members. After marrying Ralph, and a trial work adventure to Detroit, Michigan with 3 of Ralph’s cousins, Ralph and Graydon made a hasty trip back to the warmer, spacious farm area of Athens where they became members of East Athens Baptist Church. Graydon served as the primary age Sunday School Superintendent for over 20 years.
While her children where young, she enjoyed being a homemaker, babysitting 4 delightful girls and did ironing for a friend. She was very active in her children’s lives, always serving as “Room Mother” and “Class Trip Driver.” Her specialty, that the class always liked, was the “No Bake Oatmeal Cookies!!” She served as “Den Mother” while her son, Mike, was in Cub Scouts.
Graydon is survived by her son Michael E. West of Chattanooga, daughter and her husband, Leona Ruth and Charles Ray Layman of Athens; Grandchildren, Tommy (Shawna) Crowe, Angie Thompson, Jonathan Ray Layman of San Antonia, Texas, Jennifer (Travis) Bautsch, and Janell (Jason) Frost. She was blessed with 17 Great-Grandchildren and their spouses and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren with another one on the way! A very special sister and brother-in-law, Bea “Deedie” West and Eldridge Bryant of Morristown. There are several nieces and nephews along with cousins who were all loved by her.
Graydon had surgery for a knee replacement and moved in with her daughter and husband to recuperate. She enjoyed being back on a farm and ended up staying there to be cared for by Leona and her 3 daughters. Her son, Mike, did his share of help by coming in each weekend to spend time with his mom, sitting on the back porch talking and watching the cows in the fields, and taking her out to eat, which she looked forward to.
Due to Covid, a private graveside service was held Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at the McClellan Cemetery in Madisonville with children and grandchildren attending. Many friends have asked about memorials being made in Graydon’s name. The family request they be made to the Cub Scout Pack 100 in Madisonville, Tn as a special tribute to her service to Scouting as a “Den Mother.” Leona is following her tradition in Scouting as the new Cub Master of Pack 100. Donations may be made at an Peoples Bank location stating it is for the benefit of Cub Scout Pack 100 in memory of Graydon West.
Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home assisted with the burial arrangements for Graydon. Please share your condolences and your memories with the West family at www.laycock-hobbs.com/notices/Graydon-West