Jean Elizabeth Armstrong

Jean Elizabeth Armstrong (nee Shepherd), 105, passed away on November 25, 2023, at Charlestown Senior Living Community in Baltimore County, MD. She was born on May 23, 1918, in Bayonne, Hudson NJ to Clarence M. Shepherd and Florence B. Landis. Jean was raised in Baltimore and graduated from Forest Park High School with honors in 1935.She married Frank Richmond (Rich) Armstrong in 1942. During the war years, she was secretary at the YMCA and Kirks Silver Company.After her two children were born, Jean and other parents founded the St Lukes Kindergarten and Nursery School in Woodlawn because there was none offered in the area. She taught nursery school and Kindergarten at St Lukes and Sunday school at St Marks Church in Baltimore city. Jean later worked at Security Headquarters in Woodlawn as a Claims Examiner. She retired after 15 years to take care of her husband who died in 1981. Jean and Rich enjoyed many years in the YMCA’s Conoy Club, where they had many friends.

After rich died, Jean attended UMBC, and at the age of 67, graduated with a BA Degree in Ancient Studies Magna Cum Laude (1985) fulfilling a long-lived dream of graduating college.

In 1994, Jean moved to Charlestown Senior Living Community where she met Henry (Hank) Thompson. Jean and Hank were married in 1998. They were well known in the Charlestown Community for their involvement in many activities with other residents including the Residents Council, the Poet’s Corner and various entertaining performances. Jean was also secretary of the Methodist Women and contributing writer for the Charlestown Times. In the past year, Jean was honored by Charlestown on her 105th birthday as one of the oldest residents of Charlestown during their 40th Anniversary celebration.

Jean was an active member of Catonsville United Methodist Church. Previously, she was a longtime member of the former St. Marks Methodist Church in Baltimore.

Jean’s kind giving nature endeared her to all family and friends. She was quick to make friends and help others. She loved poetry. Until recent years, she walked every day. When she was asked about her secret to longevity, she said “keeping active and walking.”

Jean is survived by her husband, Henry (Hank) Thompson, son, Robert Armstrong and partner Sandy Mack, daughter, Martha Hendrickson, and son-in-law, Allen Hendrickson. She is also survived by grandson, Michael Armstrong, granddaughter, Jillian Armstrong and her partner Shawn Emeigh and great-grandsons, Jackson and Wyatt Emeigh.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Our Lady of Angels Chapel, 711 Maiden Choice Ln, Catonsville, MD from 10:30am to 11am followed by a memorial service at 11am. A reception will be held following the service in the Fireside Gallery at Charlestown Senior Living Community from 12pm to 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Charlestown Benevolent Care. Please send checks to 719 Maiden Choice Lane, Baltimore Md. 21228, Attn. Philanthropy