Mother Hazel West was born on October 10, 1927, to the late O'neal Bargeman and Mary Payton Bargeman in Grand Chenier, La.  God called her home on Sunday, December 17, 2023, while surrounded by family.

Mother West grew up in Grand Chenier and Creole, La.  She attended St. Paul C.O.G.I.C. in Grand Chenier.  She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age in life.  She was a very active member while attending St. Paul.  In 1951, she married the love of her life, the late Charles Francis West, Sr.  To this union, three children were born: Charles Elias West (Lynn) of Omaha, Nebraska, Naomi Ruth West and Arthur Lee West of Lake Charles, Louisiana.  In 1957, Hazel and Charles moved to Lake Charles after Hurricane Audrey.  Many families and congregants of the St. Paul C.O.G.I.C also relocated to Lake Charles.  Property was located and the St. Paul C.O.G.I.C., under the leadership of Elder Freeman was once again thriving in Lake Charles.  The church that Mother West loved and kept so dear to her heart, is where she and Charles continued planting their roots.    Mother West continued working for the Lord.  She served in many capacities of ministry.  There was nothing too large or too small for Mother West to do.  She loved for her church yard to be beautiful.  You could not beat mother working in the church.  Mother West was a strong prayer warrior and Mother of the church. She also served as a choir member, church treasurer, praise leader when there was no choir, and tambourine player to keep the song service moving.   In March 2023, Mother West received an award from Bishop James Proctor, for being the oldest Mother in the Lake Charles District, at the Greater Freeman C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of her Pastor, Darnold Catlon.

She leaves to cherish her memories; two brothers, Clifford Bargeman Sr., and George Bargeman (Diane) of Lake Charles, La.; one sister, Rosa Bargeman of Lake Charles, La.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles and four brothers; Willie Bargeman, Louie Bargeman, Ray Bargeman and Roy Bargeman.  Mother West was blessed to nurture and provide the best example of being a true soldier for the Lord, a prayer warrior and what loving people truly looks like to 6 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 11 great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, cousins, and friends.