Callie Lee (Reed) Armstrong

On Saturday, February 29, 2020, Callie Armstrong, loving mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend received her Heavenly wings at the age of 85.  

Callie Lee Reed was born November 24, 1934 in Earle, Arkansas to the late Major and Minnie Reed.  Callie came from a large family which she loved dearly.  Callie was blessed to have (10) ten siblings, William, Clemmie, Lonnie, Johnny Clark (Jimmie), Charles, Roosevelt, Estelle, Leroy, Alberta, (all whom preceded her in death) and Linda Kay.

Callie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in the faith.  As her love for the Lord continued to grow, she used her talent of singing to glorify Him.  Callie loved to sing and was in many gospel singing groups.  It was with this love that she founded the gospel singing group known as The Family Echoes,  The Family Echoes would go on to travel all across the United States singing for the glory of the Lord.

Callie was blessed to have (4) four children all of them girls.  Florida (who preceded her in death), Ethel Jewel, Willie Jean, and Lucy Pearl.  Callie loved to laugh, smle and enjoy life.  Callie had a great sense of humor.  Callie could also get feisty if she felt that you were out of line.  She would let you know exactly how she felt.

Callie was a hard worker.  Working various jobs until she was hired at the Plastene Plant in Portageville, Missouri.  She worked there for 35 years until her retirement.  After her retirement, Callie and her two daughters relocated to Columbia, Missouri.  While in Columbia, Callie joined the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in 2013 under the leadership of Pastor Williams.  Callie was a faithful member until her illness prevented her from attending.

Callie leaves to cherish her memory (3) daughters: Ethel Hill (Carnell)- Country Club Hills, IL, Willie Jean Elias- Sacramento, CA, and Lucy Armstrong - Columbia, MO; (1) sister, Linda Kay Burton (Sidney)- Lilbourn, MO; (8) grandchildren, Carla Murray (John)- Lynwood, IL, Kathy Herring (William)- Denver, CO, Tina Armstrong- Sacramento, CA, Willie Armstrong- Sacramento, CA, Bennie Collier (who preceded her in death), Ranzi Mitchell- Lansing, IL, Eddie Armstrong - Columbia, MO, and Sukena Gilmore (Tiffany) - Pensacola, FL; (4) great grandchildren, Ne'Cara C. McClendon- Fredericksburg, VA, Tiah C. Herring- Denver, CO, and Tyler Armstrong- Sacramento, CA and Priest Mitchell- Park Forest, IL, (1) great-great grandchild, Ariah Stewart- Herring- Denver, CO and a host of other family and friends.