06/08/2026
Jeannie Behm West, 81, of Leland, Mississippi, died peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, music, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. A woman whose life was a testament to Christian service, she touched countless lives through her gifts as an educator and musician across nearly six decades of shared ministry with her beloved husband.
Jeannie was born on March 15, 1945, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of the late Reverend Orville D. Behm and the late Lois Glyn Behm. Raised in a household centered on faith and ministry, she developed deep spiritual convictions and a love of music. Her beautiful voice and remarkable talent at the piano became gifts she would spend a lifetime sharing with others.
After graduating from Logansport High School in 1963, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Northwest Louisiana State University in 1966 and later a Master of Religious Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1968, she married Kenneth Wayne West of Gunnison, Mississippi, beginning a loving partnership that spanned 58 years of marriage and ministry.
Jeannie taught at the elementary and middle school levels. For eight years, she also taught adult education courses at Parchman State Penitentiary, demonstrating her belief in the transformative power of learning. From 1969 until 2026, she taught piano lessons, sharing her love of music with generations of students over 57 years. Above all, she was devoted to her family and structured her career to be present for her three children.
Alongside Kenneth, Jeannie served churches across Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. She directed choirs, led children's music programs, taught Sunday School, and served in numerous ministry roles. More than a dozen of her former students later entered ministry or mission work, reflecting the lasting impact of her example and encouragement.
For 25 years, she was an active member of First Baptist Church in Leland, where she sang in the choir, played handbells, and taught Sunday School. In more recent years, she and Kenneth joined Interstate Baptist Church in Shaw, where Kenneth continues to preach and where Jeannie remained active until shortly before her passing.
Jeannie also found joy in gardening, cooking, traveling, and creating a welcoming home. Her rose garden was admired by many, and her beautifully set table was a gathering place for family and friends, especially during the holidays. She will be remembered for her infectious laugh, impeccable attention to detail, and delicious homemade chocolate meringue pie.
She was preceded in death by her parents as well as her brothers, Don Behm and Robert “Bobby” Behm, and her sister, Joyce Behm Harris. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Kenneth Wayne West of Leland; her children, Natalie West-Collier and husband Michael of Brandon, Mississippi, Grant West and wife Allyson of Anniston, Alabama, and Patricia West-Adams and husband Leith of Salisbury, North Carolina; and her seven beloved grandchildren, Liz, Kathryn, Dagny, Caleb, Eliza, Andrew, and Hannah Kayce.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 9, at First Baptist Church in Leland. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m.
Arrangements are being handled by Boone Funeral Home of Leland.
