Nellie Audrey Johnson-West

Life Sketch of Nellie Audrey Johnson-West: Nellie Audrey Johnson-West was born on May 17, 1950, in Virginia, Liberia, West Africa, to David Q. Johnson and Adina Seton Johnson. During her early years, Nellie’s education began at the Swen Mission School and Bromley Mission School in Virginia, Liberia. Later, Nellie attended the Ricks Institute. She eventually graduated from the Booker T. Washington Institute, Kakata, Margibi County, Liberia. Where she received a Diploma in Secretarial Science from BWI in 1968. Following graduation, Nellie worked as a legal secretary for the prestigious Henry Law Firm in Liberia, supporting attorneys including the Speaker of the House, The Honorable, Richard Henry. In the early 1980's, Nellie moved to the United States, to pursue her undergraduate studies at South Dakota University. Due to the extreme weather conditions Nellie transferred and obtained her BA from the University of Minnesota, majoring in Urban Studies and Law in 1984. Striving to enhance her skills, Nellie completed a program and graduated in 1988 with a Certificate in Medical Coding, after moving to Toledo, Ohio. In Toledo, she worked in the dietary department then transferred to medical records department as a secretary at St. Vincent Medical Center, until her retirement. Nellie married Joseph Ketter, and together they had a son, Jeremy V. Ketter. Through that union, Nellie gained a daughter, Massa Ketter. Nellie loved her children dearly. After Joseph’s passing in Liberia, Nellie relocated to Toledo, Ohio, to be with her sister Jandora. Nellie, later met and married Roosevelt West, who also preceded her in death after a brief illness. In her free time, Nellie loved to bake, she was well known for her famous shortbread. She also enjoyed shopping and dancing, loved old-school music, reading, exploring each and everyday people watching from her beautiful wide kitchen window, and brought joy to those around her through her warmth, laughter, and vibrant spirit. Nellie was known for speaking her mind and being direct. Nellie was preceded in death by her parents, David and Adina Johnson; her brothers, Emmanuel and MacArthur Johnson; and her sister, Weda Johnson. Nellie is survived by her son, Jeremy, daughter, Massa Ketter, her grandson, Tonieh Toyer, two great-grandchildren, Akhalu and Ikenna Toyer, sister, Jandora (Jusu) Johnson Bemah, brothers, Quelmi (Elsie) Johnson, Augustus (Janjay) Johnson, Theophilus (Sylvia) Johnson, Shepherd (Whorway) Johnson, and Maxwell Johnson, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many beloved friends both in Liberia and the United States. Nellie will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew and loved her!

Nellie Audrey Johnson-West

May 17, 1950 - June 9, 2025