CONNELL WESTBROOK

Life Of

Connell Onetha Westbrook

(Mama, Mother, Granny, Nana, GG, Miss Connie, Miss Wes)

Connell Westbrook was born August 31, 1938 to the late Arthur Westbrook and the late Susan Richardson Dixon in Silsbee, TX.  Her sister Ouida Edwards (Robert) proceeded her in death.

Connell obtained her junior education in Silsbee graduating from Frazier Mathew/Waldo Mathew in 1958.  After graduation she attended Bishop College (which is now known as Paul Quinn) at both the Marshall and Dallas, TX campuses. She graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Math and moved to Oakland, CA where she resided for 37 years.

While in Oakland, Connell was a member of the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church where she was very active as a member. Connell served as President of the Matrons Mission Auxiliary, President of the Senior Usher board, an active Sunday School student, Director of BTU, and Church Clerk. In addition, she attended many of the St. John District Association meetings though out the State of California.

Connell retired from the City of Oakland in 2000, after 22 years of service, as the Director of the Head Start center where she taught. She was instrumental in early childhood development of her students and in educating children from all walks of life. Connell loved working with children and enhanced lives by babysitting in her Arlington, TX home. Since moving to Texas in June of 2000, she has cared for 15 children in her home.

Upon moving back to Texas, Connell united with the Mount Olive Baptist Church where she was active as a Sunday School student, a trainer and member of the Senior Usher board, Wednesday Bible class student, and an active member of church group # 5.  She was known for those fancy hats she wore when not ushering. Not wanting to join a large church she adjusted well and it shows in the number of members she knew and who knew her.

In addition to being active spiritually she was active socially. Connell has been a member of Delta Sigma Theta for over 50 years joining in 1960 but not becoming active until the ripe age of 69.  She attended their monthly meetings and any conference/national convention she could get to. She so looked forward to going to Washington, DC in 2013 for their 100th year anniversary.  In addition, she was also a member of Sisters on the Move, Inc. where her daughter Sandra is the founder and President.

Connell enjoyed spending time with her family as Sunday dinners were a regular get together each Sunday at approximately 2pm in the afternoon.  She also enjoyed family vacations with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and the Pippins.

She will be dearly missed by her Sister - Sarah Smith, Children - Son Bobby Westbrook (Norvella), Daughters - Sandra Pippins, Ramona Hooks (Darryl), Grand-daughters - Collandria Mack, Janice Robins, Monica Pippins and Kwyn Cater.  Grandsons  - Timothy Pippins (Jana), and Montreal Carter, Great Grand-daughters - Victory Johnson, Caris Burns, Cristen Taylor, Ashley Robins, Great grandsons -Kamari Mack, Tyre Karriem, Isaiah Watts, Camren Purvis, Westin Holley,  Extended family – “the Pippins” and a host of relatives and friends.