Osie L. Armour

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.”
Proverbs 31:25–26 (NLT)

Mother Osie L. Armour was born on June 15, 1929, in Greenwood, Mississippi (Laflore County), to the late Louise “Sil” Lee Blackmon and Tommie Lee, Sr. She was one of eight children and was raised with strong values of faith, family, and perseverance that shaped the remarkable life she would live.

As a young woman, Osie left high school in the 11th grade but later returned to complete her education and earn her diploma. Her determination became an example to her children, teaching them the importance of perseverance and finishing what they start.

Osie met Benjamin Armour in 1940, and from the beginning he believed their meeting was divinely ordered. He often testified that it was love at first sight and that the Holy Spirit spoke to him saying, “That’s your wife.” After returning home from serving during World War II, Benjamin and Osie were united in Holy Matrimony on September 21, 1946, in Kennett, Missouri.

Their marriage became a beautiful example of love and faith. Together they raised twelve children—four sons and eight daughters—and built a strong family rooted in faith. Known affectionately to one another as “Elder” and “Kiddo,” they shared a bond that reflected a lifetime of devotion.

Mother Armour faithfully served alongside her husband, Bishop Benjamin Armour, Sr., as he pastored several churches over the years. Together they traveled to many cities and states participating in church services and tent revivals, sharing the Gospel and encouraging others in their walk with Christ.

She was the Beloved Founding Mother of Monument of Deliverance Ministries, where she served as Youth President and Sunday School Superintendent; devoting much of her life to guiding young people toward Christ. Many Sunday mornings she could be found riding through neighborhoods in her church hat, gathering children and bringing them to Sunday School. Her beautiful church hats became a familiar and cherished part of her Sunday worship, reflecting the dignity and faith she carried in her heart. 

Her dedication left a lasting impression on many lives. Generations of children remember singing in the children’s choir, The Sunshine Band, and reciting the Sunday School anthem she faithfully taught: “Much Prayer, Much Power; Little Prayer, Little Power; No Prayer, No Power. A child saved is a soul saved, plus a life. What I say unto one, I say unto all: Watch, Pray, Live Holy Every Day, Every Day, Every Day.” She often reminded others with her well-known motto, “A child seen in Sunday School is seldom seen in court.”

Beyond ministry, Mother Armour was a devoted homemaker who found joy in caring for her family. She loved decorating her home, gardening, and preserving the vegetables and fruit she grew. Her home was often filled with the comforting aroma of her cooking, especially her pineapple coconut cakes, egg custard pies, sweet potato pies, and homemade biscuits, which became favorites among family and friends.

She was also known for her creativity and resourcefulness. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, and crocheting, often making quilts for her children and grandchildren—each one a lasting reminder of the love she stitched into her family.

Surrounded by the love and care of her family—including the devoted support of her granddaughter Sandoia Armour (Denzel) and great-grandson Tyler—Mother Osie Armour peacefully transitioned from this life to her Heavenly Home on March 11, 2026.

Mother Armour leaves to cherish her precious memory;  her children: seven daughters—Elder Beverly Gilyard of Memphis, Tennessee (Chaplain Elder W. W. Gilyard, deceased); Ramelda Armour of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Evangelist Patricia Amos of Memphis, Tennessee; Margie Armour of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Co-Pastor Kathy Bell of Hayti, Missouri (Bishop Robert L. Bell, Jr.); Evangelist Sandra Smiles (Maurice) of Detroit, Michigan; and Martha “Marty” Dunmore (William) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin—and one son, Dennis Armour (Kathy) of Hayti, Missouri. She also leaves her devoted granddaughter, caregiver and “13th Child”, Sandoia Armour (Denzel) of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, along with 37 grandchildren, 93 great-grandchildren, and 31 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends whose lives were blessed by her presence.

Mother Armour was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Bishop Benjamin Armour, Sr.; one daughter, Sara Lee Armour-Foulks; three sons, Benjamin Armour, Jr., Dwight Armour, and Stanley Armour; special daughter Sharon Armour; grandson Jamel Foulks; granddaughters De-Lisha, Leah, and Talise Dunmore; great-granddaughter Amiya Gilyard; and siblings Birdie Mae Bevly, Annie Mae Nelson, Dorothy Hopson, Sarah Lee, Alberta “Red” Smith, Tommie Lee, Percy Lee Jr., and Percy Whitehead.

Mother Osie L. Armour leaves a legacy of faith, love, and service that will continue to live on through her family and the many lives she touched