Gladys Marie Marrow Armstead entered into eternal rest on December 30, 2024. She was born on September 8, 1931, in Charles City, Virginia, she was the beloved daughter of the late Plato and Virginia Harris Marrow.
Gladys was a devoted member of Jerusalem Baptist Church, where her faith and service were an integral part of her life. Over the years, she served in numerous capacities, including Church Treasurer, Trustee, Deaconess, member of the Missionary Circle, and Senior Choir. Her leadership as Trustee was pivotal in completing the church’s most recent renovations and the addition of an annex. Her dedication to her church and community left an everlasting legacy.
A woman of many talents, Gladys had an entrepreneurial spirit. She began as an Avon representative and later successfully operated an upholstery business from her home. Gladys was known for her kind and giving spirit, always prioritizing the needs of others. She was a natural caregiver and provided home care to several clients. Her career also included over twenty-five years with Charles City Public Schools as a bus driver and cook, where she left a lasting impact on the lives of countless students.
Gladys was also a proud and active member of the NAACP and the Young at Heart Club. Her spirit shined brightly when she was crowned Queen of the Young at Heart in 2023, an honor that allowed her to serve as Grand Marshal of the Charles City Christmas Parade. In her leisure time, Gladys enjoyed fishing, bowling, sewing, and had a passion for hummingbirds, tea parties as well as collecting teapots. Her hobbies reflected her appreciation for life’s simple joys and her connection to nature.
On November 28, 1948, Gladys married James Linwood Armstead, with whom she shared fifty-six wonderful years of marriage until his passing. She is also predeceased by her siblings, Charlotte Trower, Mary “Sister” Cooke, Plato Marrow Jr., Elizabeth “Boo” Elliott, Alice Cropper, and Rae Foster; and sister-in-law Jacquelyn Marrow.
Gladys Marie Marrow Armstead will be deeply missed by her family, friends, church, and community. Her life was a testament to faith, service, and love, and her memory will forever remain a blessing to all who knew her.
Gladys leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory, her three children, Joan A. Wilson, Alonzo “Lonnie” Armstead, and Stafford Armstead (Nichole); goddaughter Marilyn Thompson (Rev. Lewis); grandchildren, Kernell Bradsby (Bonita), Jason Armstead (Adrienne), Allyson Yoho-Uzomah (Johnny), Stafford II “Ford”, Richardson, and Katarina; great-grandchildren, Kemondre’, Demonte’, Preston, Austin, and Yara; brother Rev. George Marrow; sister Jacqueline Wallace; special niece Robin Cropper who provided unwavering support; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.
A funeral service to celebrate Glady’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Jerusalem Baptist Church – Charles City, with a viewing beginning at Noon. Interment to follow in Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.
