A Life Story

Katherine “Kay” Cundiff West, 87, died peacefully at home on Monday August 24, 2026. Kay was born in Lynchburg, VA, the eldest daughter of Judge O. Raymond and Katherine Cundiff. She had an older brother, Byrne Cundiff, and younger sister, Mary Ann Cundiff Rice. Kay graduated from Salem College with a BA in Sociology in 1961. She was a loyal Salem alumnus and loved to travel every year to the beaches of North Carolina for reunions with her classmates. Kay married Dr. John Heath West of Piedmont, Alabama in 1962, and together they moved to Savannah in 1970 where they raised their three children, Britt, Jack, and Ellen. Kay began her working career as an elementary school teacher while John was attending medical school. When they moved to Savannah, she worked at—and later owned for many years—the children’s clothing store, The Cinderella Shop. She was an active member in the Junior League of Savannah, and she was passionate about serving the community through various other organizations, including tutoring numerous students in Chatham County in reading and writing skills. Kay was a dedicated member of St John’s Episcopal Church and a long-time docent at the Green-Meldrim House. When John retired from his oncology practice they bought a mountain home in Cashiers, North Carolina where they met wonderful life-long friends and learned to love the game of croquet. Kay was an exceptionally dedicated mother and grandmother and instilled a strong sense of family, ethical responsibility, community service, and love. She was known for her easy-going nature, positive attitude, and competitive spirit. She had a life-long love of tennis, and since the age of ten, could often be found on the tennis courts competing on teams, including local USTA clubs at Bacon Park and the Savannah Yacht Club. Dancing and playing bridge were also passions of hers, and she loved to play, as well as host, her Bridge Club parties often. She was a well-loved member of the Savannah community with many friends and acquaintances from every phase of her life. In addition to her husband, John, Kay is survived by her children Britton Yates (Samantha Woods) West, Jack Raymond (Christina) West, and Ellen West (Andrew) Barber as well as her three beloved grandchildren, Jordan Woods West, Katherine Edith Barber, and Andrew Heath Barber. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, August 28th at St. John’s Episcopal Church of Savannah with a reception to follow at the Green-Meldrim House. A private graveside service will follow the reception. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you consider a donation in Kay’s memory to Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, Georgia 31416.