𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙳𝙴𝙽 𝙿𝚄𝙱𝙻𝙸𝙲 𝚂𝙲𝙷𝙾𝙾𝙻𝚂, 𝙽𝙹 — The Linden Board of Education honored a true pillar of the community at its Dec. 12 public meeting, presenting the prestigious “It Takes a Village” Award to Anna Lucille Lewis Armstead. Surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and an adoring community, the 90-year-old matriarch was recognized for a lifetime dedicated to uplifting families and fostering resilience in her Linden neighborhood.
Born in Newark in 1934 to Fannie and George Lewis, Anna was one of seven children. In 1959, she married Rubin Henry Armstead, and the couple settled in Linden to raise their five children: Jimmy, Derek, Lisa, Mark, and Sonia. Together, Anna and Rubin built a home defined by love, values, and support, sharing 55 years of marriage before Rubin’s passing—just one month shy of their 56th wedding anniversary.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿
“Mom was the ultimate wife, mother, and caregiver,” said her daughter Lisa A. Ormon. “She raised us with love, always ensuring we had a hot meal, clean clothes, and a warm home. Her devotion to family was unparalleled.”
Anna’s nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate family. Living on East Blancke Street, she became the neighborhood babysitter, providing affordable childcare to parents who couldn’t afford traditional daycare. Her home became a sanctuary for children, offering a place where they felt safe and loved.
“She cared for children, their children, and even their grandchildren,” Ormon added. “Mom never turned anyone away. Her kindness and generosity were unmatched.”
Anna’s granddaughter, Brianna, summed up her legacy: “She truly embodies the saying, ‘It takes a village.’ I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”
𝗔 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲
The award presentation was filled with heartfelt reflections from family members, district officials, and community leaders. Her granddaughter Abigail, a Linden High School senior, spoke about how her grandmother’s legacy continues to inspire the family’s commitment to the Linden community.
“Anna Armstead’s kindness extended beyond her family to support teachers, students, and parents throughout Linden,” said another granddaughter, Brianna Armstead, who also serves as a school board member. “Her efforts in after-school programming and childcare were vital to the district’s success.”
𝗔 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗯𝗹𝗮𝘇𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀
Anna’s role as a caregiver and community leader was a recurring theme throughout the evening. “She wasn’t just a babysitter,” said her daughter Sonia. “She was a way maker for women. She was a trailblazer before trailblazing was even a thing.”
Her son,
, credited his values and political success to his mother’s guidance. Recalling a pivotal moment early in his career, he shared how she discouraged him from negative campaigning, which shaped his approach to leadership.
“I wouldn’t be the mayor if it wasn’t for that woman right there,” he said with gratitude. “She’s been a political adviser, a moral compass, and a source of strength for our family.”
𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Anna’s impact on the Linden community has spanned decades and touched countless lives. Her sister, Elaine Mosley, shared a personal story of how Anna welcomed her and her son into her home during a challenging time. “She treated me and my son like family,” Mosley said. “She was an amazing sister, always there to protect and support us.”
Her influence has also extended across generations. Officer Antonio Wilson, one of the many children she cared for, shared that his own son now attends McManus Middle School. Stories like these underscore how Anna’s kindness has created a lasting legacy of service and community.
𝗔 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
The evening concluded with reflections on Anna’s life as a symbol of Linden’s resilience and vitality.
“When you look at the health of a city, you see it in the lives of its people,” one speaker remarked. “Having residents like Mrs. Armstead living vibrant, meaningful lives into their 90s shows the strength of our community.”
Anna’s humility was evident as she accepted the award. “I didn’t need an award,” she said. “Watching these children grow up and succeed was my reward. It’s about working hard and helping others, not expecting anything in return.”
When asked about her advice for future generations, Anna offered these wise words: “Work hard for what you want. Be faithful. Follow your dreams, and don’t let anyone push you into something you don’t want to do.”
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲
The Dec. 12 public meeting served as a powerful tribute to Anna Lucille Lewis Armstead’s life and legacy. Her unwavering commitment to love, strength, and kindness has inspired her family and the entire Linden community to uphold the values she cherishes.
As applause filled the room, it was clear that Anna Armstead’s life is a testament to the transformative power of love, service, and community.