Charles Clarence Armstrong's Obituary
FEBRUARY 24, 1936 – MAY 12, 2019
Charles Clarence Armstrong, the youngest son of Harry Bernard Armstrong and Ora Felicia Jones Armstrong was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on February 24, 1936.
Charles’ mother went to be with the Lord when he was nine years old. He was then reared by his older sister, Annie Josephine Armstrong Hightower with her five children. Charles became an older brother to his niece and nephews.
Charles was baptized at an early age at First Congregation Church. He later became interested in Catholicism and joined St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.
At an early age Charles developed a passion for playing the piano. Under the tutorial leadership of Hazel Shanks Hynson Charles became an accomplished pianist.
Charles received his formal education in the Little Rock Public Schools,
graduating from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in the class of 1954.
Upon hearing Charles’ melodious tenor voice, at the wedding of our Pastor of First Congregational Church, The Reverend Charles Walker, Ariel M. Lovelace , Choir Director of University of Arkansas Pine Bluff ( formally A. M. & N College) awarded Charles a full-time four year scholarship.
During his matriculation at A. M. & N. Charles sang in the College Choir.
Mr. Lovelace appointed him HEAD OF THE TENOR SECTION.
Each year Charles sang the tenor solo in the MESSIAH. Charles presented a heartwarming-flawless, Piano Recital as his senior project.
Charles was awarded THE BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE IN MUSIC in 1958.
Upon completion of college, Charles joined THE UNITED STATES ARMY and served as SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE CHAPLAIN. After
receiving an Honorable discharge from the ARMY, Charles relocated to Chicago, Illinois where he taught music in the CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS for twenty-five years.
While teaching in Chicago City Schools, Charles received THE MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN MUSIC from the University of Chicago.
Charles retired in 1985 and relocated to Arizona.
Charles then relocated to San Francisco, California and returned to the work force as LIBRARIAN FOR THE CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO. He later became a LIBRARIAN for THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK IN SAN FRANCISCO.
Charles then relocated to Oakland, California continuing working in his position at the FEDERAL RESERVE BANK IN SAN FRANCISCO. Upon retiring from the bank, Charles began doing volunteer work at a health clinic in San Francisco doing medical records. He then worked in various positions including teaching piano lessons to students including his great nieces and nephew before full retirement.
Charles went home to be with the Lord on May 12, 2019.
Waiting with open arms to greet him were his parents; three brothers:
Harry Bernard Armstrong, Jr., Harry LaFayette Hightower and Wilbur Vernon Hightower, Jr., (Blanche), and one sister, Harriette Armstrong. Great niece, Resa Etter-Turner and great nephew Juan DeWayne Etter.
He leaves to cherish his memory three sisters, his devoted sister/mother, Annie Josephine Armstrong Hightower, Mary Virginia Armstrong Gans, Ora Narcisse Armstrong Daniels, one brother, Milton William Armstrong (Marian). Devoted nephew, George W. Hightower (Anna), Devoted niece, Dr. Ida H. Gregory-Barnes, Devoted great niece, Rhonda Felice Wright, nephew James H. Hightower, Devoted great nephew, John L. Wright, Jr., Great nieces, Enid Celeste Worrell, Janine L. Hightower, Ida Maria Hightower, Dr. Maia Hightower (James Proulx), Shikiri Hightower-Gaskin ( Bela). Great nephews, Mark D. Hightower (Girlie), Malcom Hightower (Andria) and Akida Hightower, and a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews , cousins and many friends.
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