Lessie Mae Batts Armstrong

January 18, 1937 - January 17, 2016

Lessie Armstrong, daughter of the late John Wesley and Emma Jones was born January 18, 1937 in Nash County. God, in his infinite wisdom called her home on January 17, 2016. One sister and three brothers preceded her in death. She grew up in Elm City and attended Wilson County Schools. Lessie Mae was united in marriage to the late John L. Batts and to this union nine children were born. She loved each and everyone of her children and didn't mind letting them know, that they were her children and would point them out. She loved to cook , and if you came around you wouldn't leave hungry. She loved her plants, family gatherings, laughing, talking on the phone, and watching t.v. She worked many years as a cook and retired from Wild Wood Lamp Company, after twenty years of service. Lessie joined Olive Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in October 1972. She served as a Deaconess, a member of the Usher Board, and was a faithful member until her health failed. She loved her Pastor and church family. Lessie later married Frank Armstrong, who preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memory nine children: Gloria Batts(Earl) of Elm City, NC; Michael Batts(Rita) of Rocky Mount, NC; Johnell Batts Jr.(Margaret) of Elm City, NC; William Batts(Cathy) of Rocky Mount, NC; James Batts of Elm City, NC; Brenda Batts(Carlton) of Elm City, NC; Wanda Williams(Bernard) of Rocky Mount, NC; Steven Batts(Brenda) of Petersburg, VA; Krishon Batts(Tomeekia) of Elm City, NC; Doris Lawerance(Harvey) of Rocky Mount, NC. Six step-children; Ernestine Lathan of Wilson, NC; Ruby Lathan of Elm City, NC; Angie Barnes(Jessie) of Rocky Mount, NC; Frankie Lucas(Braxton); Anthony Armstrong(Beverly) both of Wilson, NC and Willie Lovely(Angela) of Rocky Mount, NC; one aunt Lula Barnes of Rocky Mount, NC; three sister-in-laws: Sarah Hines of Wilson, NC; Doretha Jones and Carrie Wiggins of Rocky Mount, NC; a special niece, Mary Ann Williams, that she loved like a daughter; thirty grandchildren, eleven step grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, five step great-grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. A special friend, Alma Finch; telephone partners: Lillie Walker and Louvenia Parker; and regular visits from Marvin and Gail Thorne.