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Johnnie Armstead Obituary
By Katie Humphrey
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Friday, February 29, 2008
People who knew Johnnie Armstead say that if she set her mind to something, especially something related to preserving history, it was going to happen.
Armstead, a lifelong San Marcos resident and founder of the Calaboose African American History Museum, died Thursday of pneumonia. She was 74.
"We are mourning the loss of a great lady," said Kelly Franks, director of the Main Street program in San Marcos, who worked with Armstead on multiple projects. "She was a dedicated, loving lady, passionate about what she did."
Armstead founded the Calaboose museum after years of digging through trash and old homes in the city's Dunbar neighborhood to collect artifacts of African American history of Hays County. People would call her when they cleaned out their attics to ask whether she wanted to go through their old belongings.
Eventually, she persuaded city leaders to prevent demolition of the 134-year-old building that houses the museum, raised money to renovate it and secured a historical landmark designation. She did everything as a volunteer.
"Johnnie could talk to anyone and get them to do just about anything," Franks said. "She had no hesitation about calling a senator or a governor or anyone else."
And Armstead's passions extended beyond the Calaboose museum.
She started a program to recognize women entrepreneurs and was inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame in San Marcos. She managed the Hays County Democratic headquarters for 20 years and served on the San Marcos Minority Economic and Tourism Development Board.
She contributed a chapter to the book "Bricks Without Straw" on African American history and traveled with artifacts to local schools to make historical presentations.
Her latest project was the childhood home of jazz pioneer Eddie Durham. She dreamed of making the house an extension of the nearby Calaboose museum, Mayor Susan Narvaiz said.
Injuries from a fall in late 2006 made it challenging for Armstead to get around, yet she still managed to keep up with her volunteer projects.
"She didn't take no for an answer and also, you knew that if it had her attention, it was going to be worthy," Narvaiz said.
Armstead's family said they will remember her as a strong, educated woman who was passionate about history and supportive to everyone around her.
"I have the memory of her always supporting me and inspiring me to do the best that I could," her daughter, Shelly Armstead, said.
Services are pending.
[email protected]; 445-3658
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Johnnie Armstead
tia moore
March 31, 2008
grandmother it seems like yesterday that we were having a converstation on the telephone... your memory will live on 4ever in my heart & i know that when i graduate high school in may that you'll be front row center cheering me on.. the last words you said to me before you past were good luck.. people may think thats nothing but those 2 words mean a whole lot to me & i will do my very best to follow in your footsteps. you have been a inspiration and a powerful rolemodel & i will see you again one day soon. i love you dearly grandmother..
~tia~ "diondra"
Rev Rudy Phillips
March 31, 2008
Shelly,
As you know, your Mother was like a Mother to me, because she would go on our youth trips with the church and always told me what to do. She and I became very close and I grew to love her. I, like so many others will miss her desire and determination. I can ssy that she influenced me in so many ways. I will miss her laughter as well as her smile. You know that you can call me at any time,a nd I will be there for you. I love you and I will be in continued prayer for the family.
Love in Christ,
Rev. Rudy (210) 550-6422
Jennifer
March 9, 2008
I only knew Ms. Armstead briefly and saw her occasionally. But, she was such a sweet, kind, woman who always took the time to smile and pat my hand. She always remembered who I was, and she was always the picture of grace and kindness. I will certainly miss her laugh. My sincere sympathy to all of her family and friends.
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Patricia Luddington Jackson
March 6, 2008
My family and I were blessed by Johnnie Marie when we attended Greater Bethel Baptist Church. I am so glad I had the opportunity to visit with her last year. She gave me the history and tour of her beloved Calaboose Museum. Her family is in my prayers.
Gladys Dixon
March 6, 2008
It is with feelings of sorrow that I express my deepest sympathy to the family of Johnnie Armstead. We met almost a year ago when I contacted her to arrange a tour of the Calaboose Museum for the Women Missionary Union, Second Baptist Church, San Antonio, Tx. She gave us the Royal Tour after greeting us with the dignataries of San Marcos. After the tour we became telephone buddies. I shall miss her as will all of her family and friends, but oh what memories we have to share. We can never think of Johnnie without a smile.
Alex "Squeaky" Banbury
March 5, 2008
WoW! , You will be truly missed.Ms. Armstead played a role in my up bring as a Sunday School Teacher @GBBC or just a friendly face in San Marcos. Many Blessings to your family from ours.Miller/Banbury
EDWARD /ANNA RESENDEZ
March 5, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
Verna Henson
March 4, 2008
I extend my heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family of this great woman, who was the epitome of graciousness and determination. May you find comfort in your memories of her.
2006 Salute to Women Entreprenurs and Trailblazers Program
March 4, 2008
2007 Johnnie Armstead and Carol Lane-Coleman at 9th Annual Entrepreneurs Salute
March 4, 2008
Janet Ellis
March 4, 2008
What a blessing this woman was to us all. What compassion she showed and taught! What tolerance and understanding she demonstrated! What courage and conviction she lived! From this woman I have learned and owe so very much. Blessings given to me by being touched by such a life!
Johnnie Armstead and Carol Lane-Coleman 2006 Entrepreneur Program
March 4, 2008
Johnnie Bratton
March 4, 2008
Mike,
Although it has been years since we have talked, please know that you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. Your mother was always a guiding light for those of us who grew up around the Dunbar area. Be strong my friend and know that your mother's kindness survives and lives in us all.
Carol and Clarence Coleman
March 4, 2008
I will miss this very dear and close to my heart friend, who has been an inspiration to me like few other persons whom I have met since I moved to San Marcos.
The first day I met Mrs Armstead was when she came to the museum
on short notice after a call from the
visitors center. She told me about the museum, how it got started and her dreams for its future.
From that first day that I met Miss Johnnie which is what I called her most often. I learned quickly that this gracious warm lady was a very special person who loved San Marcos with a passion and did not want its history loss.
Within a short time she had pulled me into her dream and I became one of the many volunteers sharing time
with her at the museum.
Within a short time I also found out that she was a nurturer.She would feed anyone who came to help out at the museum or who attended her meetings.She always kept food of some sort in the refrigerator,and she would set out her best dishes and silver punch bowl and trays for her annual program guest.
Mrs Armstead would bring history to you if you could not come to it. I once had the honor to accompany her on a trip to Gary Job Corp and
was amazed at how much interest
the students showed in her presentation as many of them had never seem some of the items she brought with her like the wash day
items.
We talked late into the night many nights about her dreams and plans
for completing the Cephus House Renovation and the Eddie Durham Park.She was always looking for more
funding help.
What A loss to San Marcos, her community and those of us who she shared her dream with.
Our Prayers are that with the help of San Marcos and her many friends, that we and her family can keep her dreams alive and make them a reality.
To Mr Armstead, her children and other family members, please know that as you loved her, we all loved her also, but God loved her best.
May the knowledge that God has freed her from her pain which she dealt with so bravely over the last few months,and has taken her under his comforting wings give you peace in this very difficult time of your great loss.
Zera Thompson
March 4, 2008
I remember Mrs. Armstead standing outside the church doors greeting friends and love ones. She stood there wih her glasses on and standing tall. She was an intelligent, strong educated woman who believed in keeping our black history alive. She loved being a role model to all the young people in San Marcos,Tx. I am proud to have known a wonderful woman. I pray I can be an inspiration to people just as Mrs. Jonnie Armstead was for me.
I love you.
Zera Thompson
Jimmy Butler
March 4, 2008
A wonderful person!
Lawrence and Anita Heath
March 4, 2008
Proverb 3:5,6 say's Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
May the Peace of God be with the Armstead Family.
Pastor Lawrence and Anita Heath
Jennie Darst
March 3, 2008
I would like to speak for all of us here at Texas State University and say that first of all we share with you in your time of grief and will truly miss Johnnie as one of our Bobcat family members here in San Marcos. As another chance for family, friends, loved ones, and fellow students to honor the life of Johnnie Marie Odoms Armstead, her family and friends are invited to the annual Student Foundation Bobcat Pause memorial service for all Bobcats, past and present, who have passed away throughout the year. More information on this event as well as an additional guestbook dedicated to Bobcat Pause is available at
http://www.dos.txstate.edu/Programs-and-Services/Student-Foundation/Bobcat-Pause/BP-History.html
Once again, my deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Johnnie. Although she may be missed, she will always be remembered.
Patty Shafer
March 3, 2008
I have only know Johnnie a short time, but I was impressed by her graciousness and her passion for her work immediately. My condolences to all of her family and friends. Her passing is a loss to the entire community--and all whose lives she has touched.
This is a close-up of Johnnie from the Dunbar picture.
March 3, 2008
Johnnie told me this was taken when she was in her early teens in front of the Dunbar school. As always was the case she was helping us on a project about the history of San Marcos. (This is a restored photo.) Mike Gividen
March 3, 2008
Kate FitzPatrick
March 3, 2008
Dear Shelly and Albert, and the boys too - you know that Johnnie's (wow, I remember when I finally felt like I had earned the right to call her that instead of Mrs. Armstead) kindness and influence in my early years is a part of who I am and who I strive to be. I always felt more "back home" and content when my trips back to San Marcos included a meeting, chance or not, with her. She just made me feel cared about, whether she was actively aware of it or not. That is just one of the many gifts that she had. My love and prayers are with you.
Lisa Maldonado (Espinoza)
March 3, 2008
Prayers for the family of Johnnie Armstead, she was a good friend, neighbor, and our elementary teacher for my brother, Rudy Espinoza, Jr and I, while we attended the elementary school in San Marcos.
I also knew Ollie Giles, (Albert's, grandmother,sister) when i was about one year old. Another remarkable woman!
Johnnie, will be remembered for her great personality, and very talented in all she did for the community of San Marcos. Alot of good memories of her remain within us forever. I will truely miss Johnnie dearly.
Rosa Rivers Flugence
March 3, 2008
Romans 8:28 says all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and who have been called according to his purpose.
To Gloria and family,
I am so sorry about your loss. May God be with you is my prayers for earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal.
LaMarr Petersen
March 3, 2008
My wife Jean and I offer our most sincere condolences to Mrs. Armstead's family. What a wonderful contributor she has been to San Marcos and Hays County.
Deanna Dosser
March 2, 2008
I was truly inspired by the dedication of one woman to causes she believed in.
Delois Thompson
March 2, 2008
My goodness, What will San Marcos be like without my dear friend Johnnie? It was only a few days ago that I found out that she was very ill. I was making plans to visit her and then I heard the news. I learned so much from this Great Lady. She and her husband have been our friends for many years. My prayers go out to her husband, Albert and the rest of her family. Johnnie your work here is done. But you leave so many fond and wonderful memories for all of us. I love you and your family.
Delois Thompson, Frank, Zera & Family , Vincent & Family
Linda Coker
March 2, 2008
San Marcos will be forever blessed because of the most amazing, generous spirit of Johnnie. Thank God that her light shown so strong and so bright that her legacies will remain a vital part of the community. I personally will forever feel blessed to have known her and for being able to witness the difference that one person can make. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Josie (Gaitan) Ybarra
March 2, 2008
What a great lady she was. My memories of her are from many years ago when she was our neighbor. I loved her then and she made a great mark in my heart for her. This fine lady will be missed on earth.
Liz Carpenter and Johnnie at the 2006 Women Entrepreneur's celebration. Johnnie honored Liza as a "Trailblazer." Johnnie was a trailblazer in her own right--Melissa Millecam
March 2, 2008
Jim Sweeney
March 2, 2008
Albert.....I'm so very sorry. Although it's been years,,,,she left an impression on me. Johnnie was such a fine person.
charlette stevenson
March 2, 2008
Albert: sorry to hear of your loss.. I used to work with you at the city...I remember your wife, and what i remember was that she was always so sweet to everyone....I am remembering you in my prayers......charly stevenson
Jim Cullen
March 1, 2008
What an absolutely beautiful, intelligent, and graceful lady. I was always struck by her dignity and kind way with me and students I brought to visit at the Calaboose Museum. San Marcos is truly diminished by the loss of this great lady. My wife and I wish Mrs. Armstead's family our most sincere condolences.
Lawrence & Patricia Coffee
March 1, 2008
We're so glad we got to meet her at our church, and know she is praising God now, after living a wonderful life, and making a difference; many improvements. Thank You, Father God, for giving us Your daughter, Johnnie Armstead. Many people will benefit from the love and care within her, for years and years.
Luanne Caraway
March 1, 2008
Mrs. Armstead was a very gifted lady and I am thankful that I was fortunate enough to have known her. Hays County has lost a great lady but her legacy will live on forever. I send my prayers to Albert and the rest of her family and hope that you find peace in knowing that Johnnie touched many lives. May God give you strength during this difficult time.
Payton Lawrence
March 1, 2008
My sympathy to Mrs. Armstead's family in their time of grief. She will be missed by her community and many friends. May we all share in helping to keeping her dreams alive.
Bobibe Garza-Hernandez
February 29, 2008
Mrs. Armstead was always an example of courtesy, respectfulness and genuine caring. She was the epitomy of a true southern lady. The legacy she leaves our community is priceless. Our prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
(one of "Pumpkin's kids")
David Short
February 29, 2008
Wow, a major loss for San Marcos. I met her several times, usually around election season. Always nice, friendly, a truly beautiful woman who cared about others. The world is a finer place because of people like her. We will all miss her greatly, and her shining example of how to live a quality life.
Mary Winston
February 29, 2008
My prayers are with Ms. Armstead's family at this sad time. What a loss! The work that this one strong lady accomplished should continue and she should never be forgotten.
Deborah "Little Etta" Giles-Webster
February 29, 2008
How can I describe my Cousin Johnnie Marie. She was my Girl Scout leader, my confidant, and my friend. I will truly miss her. She is a woman of excellence and taught "her Girls" to be the same. My prayers are with you family. Love ya!
Diana Becker Hendricks
February 29, 2008
Dear Shelly,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother's death. Her passing leaves a huge emptiness in the heart of Hays County. I have felt privileged to work along side her on many community projects, and looked up to her as a surrogate mother through the years, and learned the true meaning of community service from this tireless icon of local history.
This evening, I can still hear her voice when I would pick up the phone, "DI-AN-A..." in that distinct separate three-syllable pronunciation that never failed to make me stand up a little straighter, stop what I was doing,
and agree to do whatever job she had "volunteered" me for!
How lucky we are to be more than 50 years old and still be able to capture that feeling of being ten year old Girl Scouts pulling up our knee socks and straightening our sashes when we are around the women who molded us into what we have become! Johnnie certainly made me pull up my knee socks more than a time or two when I would have told anyone else my calendar was too full or I was too busy or -dadgummit – I just didn’t really want to do something that weekend...!
Everyone in town always knew that if you wanted something done right, you could count on Johnnie. She was relentless and dedicated and strong and absolutely beautiful. She was an example I could point to for my own two daughters, both grown women today. No matter which generation we came from, your mother was the woman we all want to grow up to be.
When I got the news, I called my oldest daughter, Jenni in Austin -- and told her. After a moment of silence, she said “Well, I guess it wasn’t unexpected.” I said, “I don’t know –I guess no matter what, these things are always unexpected.”
I could hear her smile through the phone as we shared memories of your mother. We could see Miss Johnnie unpacking that big old trunk full of history out of the back of her car. She would say, “I know the day is coming. But the day I have the choice between a woman and an African-American candidate for president I will know I have died and gone to heaven.’”
I know that is true!
And while I hate to think of this community without her, it’s just like your
mother to have answered the call- and volunteered for some heavenly election year job! I bet she is already organizing something.
As we work the polls on Tuesday and caucus that night, we will know that
Johnnie is watching everything that happens– in her denim skirt and crisp
blouse, graceful, beautiful, strong, and demanding the best from each of us.
Shelly, thank you for sharing your mother with me for these years. Call if you need me for anything. I would be honored to help in any way (and your mother would expect it of me!)
Love, Diana
Ruben and Monica Becerra
February 29, 2008
We are deeply saddened. There will be a void in our hearts and community.
Mary Peterson
February 29, 2008
Mrs. Armstead was a lady of "Excellence". She represented what every woman should strive to have as part of their legacy. She loved all children and worked within the community to ensure that every child had the opportunity to learn. She was like a mother to all of us. We send our love and prayers to her family. She will always have a presence in San Marcos, because she contributed so much of herself to making the city a place where anyone could come and feel welcomed. She will truly be missed.
The Peterson Family
Charles Villarreal
February 29, 2008
She was a great leader in our community. We will defintely miss her animated observations on politics and the world in general.
Diann & Terry McCabe
February 29, 2008
We celebrate the completed life of an amazing, hard working, and creative woman whose gifts to San Marcos have kept alive a rich history. May her work and vision continue.
Mona Gonzales
February 29, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Amelia McFarland
February 29, 2008
What a wonderful woman. We are all lucky to have had her in our lives. We thank her for being such beautiful role model for the community. My sympathy goes out to Ms. Armstead's family.
V & T Cavazos
February 29, 2008
Our Prayers are with the family .Love and blessings Always . Victoria & Terry cavazos
Sherri Tibbe
February 29, 2008
I only got to know Johnnie the last couple of years. She was a wonderful lady and I quickly came to respect and admire her. She had an air of grace and love that I will never forget. May she be at peace with the Lord. God Bless her family and loved ones.
Anna Martinez Boling
February 29, 2008
Ms. Armstead was one of the first people to welcome me to San Marcos. She was beautiful inside and out and will be sorely missed. She leaves a great void in our community that will never be filled.
Talking time to talk with young people
February 29, 2008
Engaging conversations with SMHS students
February 29, 2008
Black History Month at San Marcos High School
February 29, 2008
Lecturing in San Marcos High School library
February 29, 2008
Calaboose Tour for PRIDE students
February 29, 2008
PRIDE High School students at Calaboose Museum
Iris Campbell
February 29, 2008
San Marcos CISD has lost a dear friend and devoted educator. Ms. Armstead touched the lives of hundred of students through her Calaboose Museum tours and the Traveling Trunk historical displays. We will miss her passion and dedication.
A. Kasiske
February 29, 2008
Ms. Armstead visited my elementary school to speak about Black History and show some of her artifacts several times. She was an amazing, sweet lady. May she rest in peace.
Amy Parham
February 29, 2008
Johnnie, you are beautiful, inside and out - full of fire, grace, power and laughter. The world is a better place because you lived in it. God smiled to welcome you home yesterday.
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