Mrs. Barbara Ann Shannon Armstrong was born to Sanders and Lavada Howard Shannon on
November 26, 1947 in Plantersville, Mississippi. She was the pride and joy of her parents and
she honored them with the life she lived.
At an early age Barbara professed her hope in Christ at New Zion M. B. Church where she
served faithfully in various capacities until her death. Barbara was committed to building Christ's
kingdom and worked wherever she was needed. She was a member of the choir, youth Sunday
school and youth bible class teacher. She enjoyed studying God's word as a member of the
senior women missionary group and served with the nursing home ministry. She was also a
member of the Queen Tompkins Court #258.
Ephesians 4:11-12 "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the
shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the
body of Christ."
Barbara married James Lewis Armstrong, the love of her life, on August 21, 1965. She often
referred to him as "her hero". Barbara was a devoted, hardworking wife who cherished her
husband. She admired his strength and dedication to always provide for his family. Four children
were born to this union and the Armstrong house quickly became the neighborhood hub for
gathering. Barbara doted over her children and grandchildren, supporting them in every way
possible. There was a certain joy that arose in her when she spoke of her family. She was proud
of her ancestors and often could be found sharing the family history of the Ruff-Betts, Estes, and
Kelly family. She loved her nieces, nephews and cousins in a special way.
Proverbs 31:10 "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies."
She loved people, invested in them and embraced the community as family. Barbara spent her
life pouring into children. She was an educator in Lee County for over 30 years teaching at
Belden Headstart, Church St Elementary, Shannon, Plantersville and Verona Schools. She was
fondly referred to as Mama Pirate (volunteer extraordinaire) at Plantersville Middle School. She
received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career but her most prized
accomplishment was seeing her students become productive citizens. Barbara was an active
community member in Plantersville and Lee County. She served on the Lee County Executive
Democratic Committee and St. Jude Bike-A-Thon Committee for years. She was one of the
spark plugs who helped secure grant funds for the Plantersville Community Center and
Plantersville Park.
1 Peter 4:10 "Each of you should use whatever gifts you have received to serve others,
as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."
Barbara attended Plantersville school and graduated from George Washington Carver High
School. She attended Itawamba Community College and later received her bachelor's degree
from the University of Mississippi. Barbara was an avid Ole Miss fan. She obtained her master's
degree from Mississippi State University. Her home was always filled with learning materials for
studying God's word. On the morning of January 27, 2022, Barbara graduated from her earthly
home and was greeted by the Master teacher to reveal to her the promises that she studied and
read about. Oh the joy of meeting Jesus!
1 Corinthians 2:9 "But, as it is written,"What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the
heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him."
Barbara leaves to cherish her memories: her husband of 56 years James Armstrong, four
children and seven grandchildren: LeResa Armstrong and her son Kelly Gordon of Plantersville,
MS; Yolanda Joyce Armstrong, Plantersville, MS; Shannon and Sherrod Miller and their children
Miles and Mariah of Meridian, MS, and Jamie and Erica Armstrong and their children Jaylen,
Jordan, Londen and Rayme of Southaven, MS; her loving mother Lavada Howard Shannon of
Plantersville, MS, her sister and best friend Adell "Dot" Shannon of Plantersville, MS; three
younger brothers whom she adored Sextus (Dorothy) Shannon, Shelton (Karen) Shannon and
Winston (Barbara) Shannon all of Plantersville, MS; one cherished uncle, Norman Howard of
Bronx, New York, two sister in laws Sue Arnold, Plantersville, MS and Maggie Partlow of Detroit,
MI; two brother in laws William (Pearlie) Armstrong of Tupelo, MS and Wayne Braddock of Blue
Mountain, MS. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and former
students that will miss her dearly.
Preceding her in death: father Sanders Shannon, brother Howard "Jolly" Shannon, maternal
grandparents Azo and James Ella Estes Howard, paternal grandparents Nellie Kelly Brown and
Jack Shannon.
John 16:22 "So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will
rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you."