Narvella R. (Dillard) West

Narvella Ruth Dillard West was born to Arthur Dillard Jr. and Virginia Jackson Dillard on December 15, 1948 in Harleton, Texas as the third of eleven children. She departed this world on August 2, 2025 and was preceded in death by her father; husband, Samuel West Jr.; and eldest son, Samuel West III.

Narvella’s formal years of education began in Harleton ISD. She attended Friendly Jr. High School and was well-known as an awesome student and phenomenal basketball star. After finishing her sophomore year, Narvella transferred to H.B. Pemberton High School in Marshall, TX where she completed her junior and senior years of schooling while participating in the school choir. She graduated with honors and moved forward with collegiate studies at Bishop College in Dallas, TX.

As an undergraduate student, Narvella received an academic scholarship and obtained a Bachelor of Science in biology in 1970 from Bishop College. Narvella was also a member of the  esteemed Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated as well. As a graduate student, Narvella earned a Master of Education in school administration from Prairie View A&M University in Hempstead, Texas in 1978. She also earned a certification in mid-management from Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas and completed additional post-graduate studies at North Texas State University in Denton, Texas.

For 38 years, Narvella was employed in various instructional roles throughout her career in Dallas ISD. At the campus level, she taught physical science, biology, and chemistry classes at Cary Junior High School and Thomas Jefferson High School as a secondary science teacher for almost 21 years. Beyond the campus level, Narvella was an administrator in central office divisions for over 17 years and worked as a science curriculum writer, science fair coordinator, educational leader, and advocate for instructional quality in science courses. She worked extensively as a science specialist and trained secondary teachers in pedagogical methods of teaching and demonstrated how instructional strategies could be refined. Narvella was also a local administrator and excelled in managing the daily operations of elementary, middle, and high schools within multiple feeder patterns of various communities in Dallas, TX. During her final years of service, Narvella was formally recognized as the executive director of science for Dallas ISD. In this capacity, she revised instructional curriculum and introduced teaching strategies through professional trainings to support science teachers in all levels of the district. Most importantly, she managed various teams of coordinators, content specialists, lead teachers, and supported all personnel within the  science department to maintain effectiveness as a high-performing core unit for the district.

Throughout her lifetime, Narvella achieved numerous awards for her service as an impactful educator. However, her most significant milestone occurred through marriage by uniting with Samuel West Jr. and having three children: Kiesha West Pearson, Samuel West III, and Kevin West. She was also known as a very kind, loving, proud, and devoted grandmother to five grandchildren: Samantha Greene, Joshua Greene, Racquel Greene, ChaDora Lafayette, and Roderick Pearson Jr.

Until the last day, Narvella was dedicated to her family, friends, community, and faith as a devout Christian woman and generous person to everyone she knew and loved. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, reading, family gatherings, vacations, visiting friends, and participating in community events. She is survived by her mother, Virginia Dillard; sister Artha Jewel Dillard (Frank); brother, Webster Dillard; sister, Dannetta Willis; brother, Randolph Dillard; brother, Walter King; sister, Glenda Natalwalla (Murtazaali); brother, Terry Dillard (Cheryl); sister, Vanessa Jackson;  sister, Judy Hooper (Mark); daughter, Kiesha West Pearson; son, Kevin West. Without a doubt, Narvella Ruth Dillard West will always be remembered fondly and cherished in the minds of all  those that knew and loved her dearly.

My Final Thoughts

Do not feel sad because I am no longer here with you.

Instead, find comfort in the fond memories, joyous occasions, and amazing times we shared.

Do not fear the unknown road that lies ahead in your future.

Just know that you have everything within you to be the best you can be for yourself and others.

Do not wonder if there was more you could have ever done.

Instead, find comfort in knowing that you did what you could and tried to help someone else along the way.

Finally, the measure of your life is not determined by what you achieved or accomplished.

Instead, know that it was rooted in your willingness to help others from the kindness of your heart.

“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things,

I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord."

Matthew 25:23

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