Nettie Lee Armstead

Nettie Lee Armstead was born February 20, 1947. in Batesville, Mississippi to Aaron Martin "Ro Andrew" and Jennie B. Martin. 

Nettie confessed the hope in Christ at Antioch Baptist Church at an early age. She was raised in Mississippi and attended Patton Lane School. 

On June 22, 1962, she married the love of her life, Willie L. Armstead in Batesville, Mississippi. To this union three children were born: Troy, Roy and Artis Armstead. 

In 1962, they moved to Cleveland, Ohio. She joined an adult program called Project Peace where she furthered her education. Once she completed the program, she began working at Morgan Linen Services in 1979 as a Shipper for 32 years. She received several awards during her tenure. She started a prayer ministry during break-time at Morgan for all that wanted to attend. 

She enjoyed cooking and had a green thumb for growing flowers. She loved sharing time with her family and loved to decorate. Her specialty was folding napkins. She enjoyed teaching others. She always encouraged people to do what was right according to the Word of God. She always prayed with and for others on and off the job. 

She attended other churches until she found her home church, St Mark Baptist Church in 1985, under the leadership of Pastor Earnest Kelley. She became a member of the Usher Board and served as the auxiliary president for a number of years. 

In 2008, she became the first lady of the St. Mark Baptist Church, as her husband, Rev. Willie Armstead, was called to be the pastor. In 2011 she retired from Morgan Linen Services when her health began to fail. After a long battle with her health she transitioned on Friday, May 3, 2024. 

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband: Pastor Willie Armstead; three sons: Troy Armstead, Roy Armstead, and Artis Armstead (Reshawn); five sisters: Minnie Lee Poe, Josephine Lloyd (Jimmy), Jennie Ruth Irby, Marie Miles, and Clara Jean Pope (Randy), one brother: Henry James Ladd; five sisters in law: Ivora "Ira Mae" Ladd, Ruthie M. Barnes, Dorothy Briggs, Arlean Miles, and Margaret J. Armstead; three granddaughters: Tahana Alexander (Jerome), Ratoya Armstead, and Brandi Armstead; six great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, friends, and loved ones. 

She was preceded in death by her mother Jennie B. Martin and her father Aaron Martin "Ro Andrew" and her three sisters: Ara Mae Martin (Chicago, IL), Jo Ella Ladd, Katie Moran-Ladd, and one brother John Henry Ladd all of (Batesville, MS). 

If roses grow in heaven, Lord please pick a bunch for us, If Roses Grow In Heaven - Dolores Garcia Place them in her arms and tell her they're from us. Tell her we love her and miss her, and when she turns to smile, Place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for awhile. But there's an ache within our hearts, that will never go away.

A  public viewing will be held on May 17, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at St Mark Baptist Church, 11123 Buckeye Rd, Cleveland, OH. The Celebration of Life Services will be held on May 18, 2024. 10:30 AM Wake and 11:00 AM Service at St Mark Baptist Church, 11123 Buckeye Rd, Cleveland, OH.   

We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on Nettie's Tribute Wall.