Claudier Jean Armstead-Kelley

Mrs. Claudier Jean Armstead-Kelley 87, passed away on Saturday, January 4th, 2025. Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, January 11th, 2025, at 1 pm at Greater St. Luke Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Peaceful Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Griffin Mortuary. Visitations will be held Friday, January 10th, 2025 from 5 pm to 6 pm at Griffin Mortuary. Mrs. Claudier Jean Armstead-Kelley was born on October 10, 1937, to Celestine Bennett and Soloman Armstead in Austin, Texas. She was the beloved sister of Nancy Crayton, Verdie Mitchell, and Hattie Wyatt. Growing up in Austin, Claudier attended Anderson High School and later pursued higher education at Huston-Tillotson College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree.

Claudier dedicated her professional life to teaching, beginning a rewarding 33-year career with the Lubbock Independent School District. After decades of service, she retired, leaving behind a legacy of influence and dedication to her students and community.

On June 2, 1962, Claudier married the love of her life, Louis Kelley, in Lubbock, Texas. They shared a loving and enduring marriage for 57 years until Louis’ passing. Together, they were blessed with two children: Leigh Ann and Louis Earl Kelley.

Claudier's family continued to grow with the addition of her daughter-in-law, Zabrina Benson, and their three sons: Louis Earl, Izaiah, and Jordan Kelley. She also cherished her granddaughter, Schyler Kelley, and great-granddaughter, Jazmyn.

A lifelong member of Greater St. Luke Baptist Church, Claudier faithfully served her congregation for over 60 years. She taught Vacation Bible School for 25 years and also delivered Meals on Wheels, embodying the spirit of service to others. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Claudier remained deeply committed to the ideals of sisterhood, scholarship, and service for more than 66 years.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her—through her teaching, her kindness, and her unwavering love for her family and community.

Claudier was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her daughter, and two sisters.

Claudier leaves behind her sister, Hattie Wyatt; nieces Gilda Pearson (James), Rachel Wyatt, Vernetha-Jo Wells (Robert), Sabrina and Andi Arnic; and nephews David Hardy, Darryl Kelley, and Karl John. She is also survived by a multitude of extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.