Sheretta West: A Remarkable Journey
Sheretta M. West, an accomplished author, visionary, leader, mentor, and first lady, has made an indelible mark on the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) community. Her journey showcases resilience, faith, and determination.
Early Life and Ministry Roots:
- Sheretta West grew up in Settegast, a Northeast Houston community, immersing herself in ministry at Little Union Missionary Baptist Church. Her grandparents’ active involvement in their home church shaped her early life.
- High school counselors and teachers at Houston’s Forest Brook High School, despite the lack of college preparation discussions at home, steered her toward higher education.
- She attended the University of Houston (UH) and later pursued night classes at UHD with her husband, Dr. Ralph Douglas West, while they started a new church together.
Sheretta West Marriage
Sheretta West and Dr. Ralph Douglas West tied the knot in 1982. They are parents to two sons, Ralph Douglas II and Ralpheal Daniel. Dr. Ralph Douglas West founded The Church Without Walls in Houston, Texas, where he serves as the senior pastor. Sheretta West, alongside her husband, significantly dedicates herself to her family and community work.
Challenges and Triumphs:
- Sheretta married in 1982 and welcomed her first son, Ralph II. She faced a layoff while pregnant with her second son, Ralpheal.
- Juggling family responsibilities, a burgeoning church, and her education, she resumed her studies at UHD when her second son turned two.
- UHD offered a welcoming environment for adult learners with families. She diligently worked toward her degree while raising her children and contributing actively to ministry.
- Both of Sheretta’s sons later achieved master’s degrees in theology.
You May Also Read: Ralph D. West’s Bio, Age, Height, Hobbies, Wife and Marriage, Children, Career, Net worth
Life’s Work and Impact:
- The church upbringing played a pivotal role in Sheretta’s life’s work, making her an empowerment beacon, especially for women and families.
- Her dedication to education, faith, and community service embodies the spirit of UHD.
- Sheretta’s legacy goes beyond her achievements; it echoes in the lives she has influenced and the church she and her husband established.
Sheretta West’s journey, characterized by resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education, continues to inspire, establishing her as a true UHD success story.
