Jessica Bullard Armitage

Jessica Louise Bullard Armitage celebrated her last St. Patrick’s Day on 3/17/22 surrounded by love, listening to her favorite songs, shows and stories. She peacefully joined her parents Donald "Paw Paw" and Dorothy "Annie" Bullard and sister Christine Eddy at the young age of 71.

As a daughter of military parents, Jessie led a well-traveled life and graduated from Melbourne High School Class of 1968. She was an exceptional scholar whose passion for music led her to play in the band with her lifelong best friends.

Shortly after graduation, she met her husband, Edward Armitage, while celebrating 4th of July at Patrick Air Force Base. Eddie and Jessie married on Flag Day of 1969 and would remain married for 52 years.

As a newlywed, Jessie learned to crochet when Eddie was deployed to Vietnam. Her crocheted blankets, hats, potholders, and household covers became Armitage family heirlooms.

She traveled across states and countries for Eddie during his military career, with her honeymoon in Hawaii and daughters' births in England being most memorable.

Jessie was selfless as she managed the Armitage household, while raising her "day and night babies” Lorraine and Lisa.

Through her eldest daughter "Raine" and son-in-law Brian, she became Grammy to Brandon, Lexi, Kaleb, Logan, Kailey, and Charlotte. Grammy brought love to concerts, games, holidays, and always made birthdays special celebrations.

Her youngest daughter "Pizza," would gift her tie-dye tee shirts from her travels, and sibling kittens LT and Tigerlily that brought happiness and companionship to all.

Jessie also had many interests outside of the home and enjoyed working. She was a teaching assistant at her daughters’ school when they were young, and she went on to have a long career with Harris as they grew older.

She was passionate about animals and welcomed many into the family without hesitation. Over the years there were frogs, spiders, fish, hamsters, dogs, cats and even a bird.

She treasured photographs and could always be found with a camera during special occasions. From photos before holiday meals to birthday cakes, she captured it all. There were also frequent Olan Mills family portrait sessions.

She was the family Google / WebMD before their creation, and her knowledge became endless with the invention of the internet. She also guided her family to appreciate many things -

Adventure of Travel - She spoke fondly of her cross-country road trip in the family Chevette filled with her babies, belongings, and basset hound. When her babies became teenagers, they summered in Europe and spent weeknights at Disneyworld – in between rock concerts.

Love of Music - She played bass clarinet in the Community Band of Brevard and proudly encouraged her daughters and grandchildren to play instruments. She also loved live events and would always say yes when asked “Can we get tickets?”

Joy of Reading - She normalized carrying a book, before the invention of online readers, and influenced all to enjoy spending time browsing libraries and bookstores.

Let's all smile as we remember Jessie, Mommy, Aunt Jessie, Grammy, and honor her by "being nice."

The song is ended but the melody lingers on.

Please join the family for a mass in her remembrance on Saturday, July 16 at 9 AM, Ascension Catholic Church, Melbourne, FL.

Her loved ones express gratitude to Viera Hospital ICU employees for their care during this final St. Patrick’s Day.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FountainheadFuneralHome.com for the Armitage family.