Claydee Marie Armstead

Claydee Marie Armstead was born April 23, 1946, one of seven children to Edna Mae White and Fred White in St Louis, Missouri. Her spirit departed this earthly realm on Sunday, October 18, 2015, at her home in Oceanside, California.

Claydee accepted Christ as her Personal Savior at an early age and joined the Eastside Baptist Church in St Louis, Missouri. She received her education through the public schools in St Louis. On May13, 1978, Claydee united in Holy Matrimony to the late James Lee Armstead who preceded her in death. Later, she became a member for many years of the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, Oceanside, California under the leadership of Pastor Leroy West where she served in the choir and the Usher Board. In June 2008, she joined New Birth Baptist Church, Oceanside, California (formerly Greater Antioch Baptist Church of Vista, California) under the pastorate of Bishop Dr. Jeffrey Moore. She actively served as Vice-President - Pastoral Support Ministry, Chairperson for Church Anniversary committee, member of the Mother’s Board and Adult Sunday School Secretary.

Claydee or “Miss Rita” was employed with Army Navy Academy in Carlsbad, California and retired with over 25 years of service. She often spoke of her love she for her job and the joy of cooking and feeding the many people attended the Academy throughout the years.

“Mother Armstead” as she was fondly referred to by her New Birth church family was truly a woman of faith. She practiced that faith in her church and the hospitals, nursing homes and day facilities she spent time in. Wherever she went, she displayed an undying love for God. Her smile and constant laughter lifted the spirits of all around her. She showed a special devotion to her church family and endeared her brother Jesse with all the qualities of a good sister. Jesse and Claydee enjoyed a fun relationship full of love and good-natured banter. She enjoyed coming to church and bringing handmade crafts to her Bishop and First Lady. Her greatest joy was the love she had for the youth. She enjoyed a special relationship with her longtime friend Hattie Ray. They spoke daily and served together as a team, in their church. Claydee fondly referred to Hattie as “her girl.”

Claydee is survived by her six siblings, her beloved brother and Caretaker, Jesse Reed of Oceanside, California; Fred Reed, Darryl Reed, Sylvia Reed, Valarie Harrington and Sandra Harrington all of St Louis Missouri and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send monetary gifts to New Birth Church in care of Armstead family.