Annette Brownlee Armstead who lived in Ontario, CA a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, dozed into eternity on Wednesday morning, September 9, 2026, in Pomona, California, at the age of 77. Annette was born on January 4, 1949, in Sardis, Mississippi, to the late LG Brownlee and Susie Lewis Brownlee. She was the sixth of nine siblings.Throughout her life, she called Sardis, MS, Batesville, MS, and Memphis, TN her home before spending her retirement days in Ontario, California.

Annette accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Batesville, Mississippi. From a young age, she aspired to be a hard worker and dedicated her life to spreading love to everyone she met. Small in stature but tough, feisty, and fiercely loving. The joy and warmth she gave to others was greater than anyone could imagine.

Cooking was Annette's true passion and career. She was an extraordinary cook who loved nothing more than feeding people and bringing people together through food. She dedicated about 25 years of service to the Memphis Shelby County Schools, spending her final years at Belle Forest Elementary School, where she dearly loved the children and her colleagues. Annette was a Mom, Grandma, and friend who taught us how to love others unconditionally. She was the sweetest, kindest, most humble, sacrificing, and giving person you could ever encounter. She taught her family and friends to enjoy and be grateful for the smallest things. She was a woman who wasn't materialistic; instead, she gave so much from the inside of herself—a gift greater than anything money can buy. The love she gave was truly priceless.

Her family is profoundly grateful for the 77 years God blessed them to have with her. She imprinted her family with the love for others. Her children and grandchildren will continue to love unconditionally. The family thank God that she was chosen to be called their Mom and Grandma. Through her, they learned that it is not the materialistic things that leave an impression on others, but the kindness and love you give to others that money can never replace. Her presence will be deeply missed on earth, but the love for her is always and forever in our hearts.

Annette was preceded in death by her husband Clyde Armstead, Sr and her cherished daughter Carolyn Cotton both of Memphis, TN.

Her beautiful legacy will be carried on by her surviving children: Leatrice Ailsworth (John) of Memphis, TN; Melvin Brownlee (Veronica) of Riverside, CA; Felicia Armstead Watt (Jimfrey) of Ontario, CA; and Clyde Armstead, Jr. of Memphis, TN. Annette's profound love also lives on through four grandchildren whom she raised as her very own children:

Christopher Armstead, Anthony Armstead, Andrew Armstead, and LaDarius Armstead. She also leaves behind a host of adored grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, extended family members and lite long friends.