Obituary | Betty Jean Fisher | Bradshaw & Range Funeral Home PC (2024)

On September 13, 1942, the earth was blessed with the arrival of Betty Jean Armstead, born to Woodson and Earnie Harris Armstead in Waukegan, IL. She was the third of five children. What a joyous occasion!

Betty Jean's academic studies began at North Elementary School in North Chicago, IL, and continued to North Chicago Community High School where she graduated. Betty attended Wilson Junior College (Kennedy King) in Chicago, IL, and College of Lake County in Grayslake, IL.

Betty's secretarial and management skills afforded her many opportunities. Her employment included Shore Printing Company, Lake Forest College, Baxter Healthcare and The Sherwood Group Management Association Company, to name a few. Betty retired from Trustmark Insurance Company, Lake Forest, IL. Shortly after
retirement Betty went to work at the YMCA, where she greeted members every morning with her “Betty Jean” smile.

On July 26, 1969, Betty Jean Armstead and Ernest B. Fisher were joined in holy matrimony and became a
loving combined family of five: Ernest Sr., Betty, Ernest Jr., Victor and Patrice.

Betty's spiritual foundation began at Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church in Waukegan, IL, under the leadership of (Bishop) Minister Robert (Bob) Thomas, Jr. Betty served in many capacities in the church. Betty loved Trinity; but most importantly, Betty loved the Lord with her whole heart and soul. She embodies the true meaning of serving church and God. Betty was a regular attendee at Sunday School, a member of Christian
Endeavor, Youth Choir to Adult Choir, Young People's Department (YPD) to YPD Director. Betty served as a Stewart Trustee and Church Treasurer.

Betty was a member of the Alma Baber Women's Missionary Society for more than 50 years. She served as president for 16 years. Betty also served in the Women's Missionary Society as Vice President for four years, Secretary and Parliamentarian. Betty served as an Officer in the Chicago Conference Women's Missionary
Society where she was an active member for many years. Betty was Stole Torch Lighter a distinguished honor bestowed by the Chicago Conference WMS recognizing her dedication for more than 25 years of service as a missionary.

Betty was a dedicated volunteer and advocate for PADS (Pubic Action to Deliver Shelter). As an active member and supporter of PADS, Betty often used her money to purchase and prepare items for 40 to 60 lunches, monthly. Whatever was needed: sandwiches, chips, fruit, cookie or water. Betty was there with bags filled to the brim. Let's not forget the countless hot dishes and her delicious peach cobbler that was served. Mmm....so good!

Betty participated in the Virtuous Women Bible Study Group, North Chicago, IL; Bible Study Fellowship, Flint, MI and Winnetka, IL; Women's Bible Fellowship, Birmingham, AL; and a member of the Sista to Sista Book Club, North Chicago, IL.

Betty was very civic minded and involved. In the late ‘70’s and early ‘80s Betty was a member of the Black Panther Party. The Black Panthers was a political organization founded in 1966 by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale to challenge police brutality against the African American community. One of Betty’s fondest memories with the Black Panthers was driving the “Decoy Car” when Stokley Carmichael came to Chicago.

Betty continued her commitment to community by serving as Board President of the North Chicago Housing
Authority; Charter Member, Eureka Temple #1172 IBPOEW; President of Friends of the Library, North
Chicago; Secretary of Foss Park Senior Citizens Club; and a member of Lake County Women's Coalition. Betty also received a Certificate of Completion from the North Chicago Police Department Citizens Police Academy.

Betty's sweet treats always made from scratch were like no others. Her sweet treats were always delicious. It’s a mystery as to when she found time to make her sugar cookies, pralines, pound cakes and that mouth watering peach cobbler! No matter what the occasion, everyone looked forward to one of Betty's desserts.

Betty's smile was infectious, undeniable and unforgettable. Betty was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, godmother and a child of God. If there was a need, Betty would give it her undivided attention. She was a caregiver and helpmate, whether it be to family or friend. Betty was always there to help.

On August 17, 2021, peacefully at her home, Betty Jean Armstead Fisher, 78, heard our Father's whisper and the Heavens rejoiced as the gates were opened and Betty was welcomed in our Father’s kingdom.

Cherishing her beautiful memory is her daughter Patrice Armstead; sons: Ernest Jr (Phyllis) Fisher and Victor (Velvet) Fisher; sister Marcia E. Blassingame; a very special niece Dana J. Blassingame and special nephew, Robert W. (Keesha) Armstead; a very special godson, Darrell (Pam) Green, eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews,
godchildren, cousins and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years Ernest B. Fisher, Sr; grandson Jeremiah Palmer; great-grandson Amir Fisher; parents, Woodson and Earnie Armstead; brothers and sister-in-laws: Walter O. Armstead, Robert L. (Deborah) Armstead and David M. (Linda) Armstead.

A Celebration of Her Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, August 27, 2021 at Jesus Name Apostolic Church Waukegan, 208 Lake Street Waukegan, IL. . Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. Interment will be at Northshore Garden of Memories Cemetery, North Chicago, IL. A Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Bradshaw & Range, Funeral Home, 2513 W. Dugdale Road, Waukegan, IL.

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