Delisa Marie Ward

Delisa Marie Armstrong was born in Kansas City, Missouri on September 12, 1966, to Gerald Ward & Beverly Robertson. Growing up in a historically musical and artistic city, Delisa's love for music, dance, art, and gymnastics started when she was a young child. In her youth, she played the saxophone, danced in school talent shows, and enjoyed theatrical performances, classic movies, and concerts.

Inspired by Nadia Comăneci of the 1976 Olympics, Delisa could be found practicing tumbling, handstands, and flipping in grassy fields. Her self-taught determination led her to become a proud cheerleader at Southeast High School where she graduated in the top percentile of her class. After high school, she attended Central Texas College in Killeen, Texas, where she worked as an aerobics instructor and part-time radio DJ in between studies.

In Chicago, Illinois, Delisa married her hometown sweetheart Cardell Armstrong on June 28,1993. She was a lovingly devoted mother of two sons and one daughter. Additionally, Delisa had a philanthropic heart and was deeply dedicated to investing in troubled youth, the arts, and especially dance. She was the Program Developer, Director, and Instructor of the Studio Blue Performance Dance Program at Municipal Gardens Family Center in Indianapolis to promote responsibility, accountability, respect, and self-discipline through the art of performance dance for girls aged ten to sixteen. She was a volunteer choreographer for the Boom Babies dance group, and volunteered for a teen parent support group, the Salvation Army, and several after school programs.

Delisa is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Cardell Sr., and her three children; Michael (son), Chardell (daughter), and Cardell “C.J.” Jr (son). Delisa’s sweet smile, infectious laugh, vibrant personality, and selfless heart will be greatly missed by all who’ve had the privilege of knowing her.

A celebration of Delisa’s life will be held at Stonebriar Funeral Home, 10375 Preston Road, Frisco, Texas at 1:00PM. In honor of Delisa’s memory, the family asks attendees to wear something in her favorite color yellow.