Marie Armstrong

She graduated from Manteca High School in Manteca, California in 1957. She met and later married the love of her life, Newton Armstrong III in 1962.

Marie was a dedicated mother who deeply treasured her children. Her family was very important to her. She loved her role as mother and wife. From the beginning, she was actively involved in each child’s schooling. Marie volunteered at Garfield Elementary School and was a fixture at the school for several years. She served as a teachers’ aide, substitute teacher, and as president of the Parent Teachers school council. As a working mother, Marie went back to school and received her Bachelor of Theology from Pacific Coast Bible College in 1985. Marie also worked for many years at the Gospel Center Rescue Mission as a cook, teacher and administrator for the family shelter. Through her ministry at the mission, she impacted the lives of many recovering homeless men, women and children and lovingly became known as “Sister Marie”.

Above all others, Sister Marie put God first and foremost in her life. As Newton stepped out in faith to dedicate his life as a minister and evangelist, Marie supported him fully. She packed up the kids and traveled up and down the state of California supporting the preaching of the Gospel. She found great joy in singing hymns and gospel songs.

Marie loved her family! She frequently noted how special her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were to her. She made it a priority to call each one of them on their birthday and sing the Happy Birthday Song and even quote a scripture or two. Marie leaves to cherish her memories, her beloved husband Newton Isaac Armstrong III, her siblings Mildred Spiro, Mary Helen Martin and Vernon James, her children: Marian Spivey, Newton Isaac Armstrong IV (spouse Tina), Les Armstrong (spouse Joyce), Markeith Armstrong (Andrea), Dominique Neal and Monique Bryant. Marie leaves 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.