Sammie Cole Armour
Sammie Cole Armour, 88, was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, surrounded by her family at home. Sammie was born on April 6, 1932, to Sam & Vivian Cole in Middle Creek, Louisiana.
A lady who enjoyed the simpler things in life, Sammie spent many of her days out working in her yard – appreciating the beauty of God’s world – as well as His word as an active member of First Baptist Church of Silsbee. Her love for the Lord shone in everything she did – from teaching a Sunday School class at FBC Silsbee for many years to delivering recordings of the church service to the homebound, participating in Women on Mission, and serving as a longtime fixture in the choir. Sammie also sparked joy in the lives of the senior women at Silsbee Convalescent Center, serving weekly by washing hair and styling countless hairdos for them throughout the years.
Doing for her family brought Sammie the most enjoyment, though. Spencer, her husband of almost 68 years, was truly the love of her life. Whether it was driving around as a young married couple in their ’52 Chevy singing their favorite song, “Since I Met You Baby” by Ivory Joe Hunter, or lovingly preparing dinner for him every night all those years, Sammie’s world truly revolved around Spencer, and her devotion to him was unwavering even in her final days.
Sammie’s love for her family was widely felt, and next to being a wife, her greatest joys were being a mother and grandmother. She shared special bonds with both of her children, Spencer III and Amy – always the mom who cheered the loudest at every sporting event for Spencer III and a skilled seamstress who was known to skip a few nights’ sleep to sew Amy the perfect dress for special occasions. One of the greatest sources of her happiness was doting on her four grandchildren, Emily, Davis, Madison and Maret, making sure every child was loved – and fed – to the fullest. This meant many trips to the park, Happy Meals from McDonald’s, and tractor rides, always catering to their every whim and always there for them at every milestone.
Sammie’s adoration for her family stemmed from her childhood, growing up in a loving household with five brothers and sisters. While life took them in different directions, she always looked forward to their frequent phone calls and get togethers.
Sammie earned her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, which sparked her love for education. A teacher at Silsbee ISD with more than 33 years of service, Sammie rarely met a stranger around town. Over the years, she taught third grade, fourth grade and sixth grade math, and nothing delighted her more than running into a former student. Sammie was also a talented cook. She was known for never showing up empty-handed – whether it was her famous pasta salad or a homemade pie, crust and all – and bringing her family together over many delicious meals at the table.
A natural nurturer, Sammie embodied everything 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 stands for: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Preceded in death by her parents, Sam & Vivian Cole, and her brother, Buford Cole. Survivors include her husband, Spencer Armour, Jr.; son, Spencer Armour, III, and his wife, Becky, of Midland; daughter, Amy Armour Montanari and her husband, Joe, of Beaumont; grandchildren, Emily Serold, and her husband, Craig, of Dallas; Spencer “Davis” Armour, IV and his wife, Whitny, of Fort Worth; Madison Montanari of Dallas; and Maret Montanari of Dallas; great-grandchildren, Claire, Sam and Gracie Serold; Spencer “Quinn” V and Violet Armour; brother, Olin Cole and his wife, Bernice, of DeRidder, Louisiana; sisters, Effie Corley of Hornbeck Louisiana; Sandra Liggio and her husband, Jack, of Moss Bluff, Louisiana; and Vivian Sparks of Mt. Carmel, Louisiana.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Virgie, Ann, Nhelie, Karina, and Brenda for the loving care & compassion they showed to Sammie in her final years.
A private family service will be held Saturday, February 20, 2021, under the direction of Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee, Texas.
Memorial contributions may be made in Sammie’s memory to First Baptist Church of Silsbee, 350 US-96, Silsbee, Texas 77656.
Video
Memorial Contributions
Memorial Contributions
- 350 highway 96 south silsbee tx 77656
Broussard's Mortuary - Silsbee, TX
Broussard's Mortuary - Silsbee, TX
- 490 cemetery road silsbee tx 77656
Comments
Cheryl Owens
Spencer and family Kevin and I are so sorry for your families loss. What a privilege to have known Mrs. Armour. Praying for God's Peace and Comfort for you all. In His Love Kevin and Cheryl Owens â¤
Linda Hayes
Sammie was my special friend whom I loved so much. We shared laughter, tears and stories of our grandchildren. She was a loving child of God and is now praising our sweet Jesus.
RichardandJanet Standley
Mrs. Armour, was my fourth grade teacher. I loved her and I remember she was the sweetest teacher. Sending thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Sanchez
Amy, my heart hurts for you, but you are not alone in the next leg of this journey. I’ll always remember your sweet mother calling us “grills†, making grilled cheese sandwiches after school, and having coffee with my mother. Love and hugs to you and your family.
Peggy McClanahan Pitman
Mrs. Armour was my teacher and we always had a fun time in her class and learned many things. She was very gentle and kind with every student. Treated of all her students equally. She had no favorites (at least she never showed it). Sincere sympathy to her family.
James Ricks
My prayers are with all of the Cole and Armour families at this sad time of great loss. Sammie was a sweet, beautiful first cousin, and I was so sorry I didn't get to know her more.....Just know she was a wonderful lady in every aspect of her life, and may Heavenly Father comfort all of you during the days ahead.
Starla Alexander
Amy, I just found out about your lose. I know how hard it is to lose your mom. And your mom was such a great lady. I always remember you two having Emily for those summer visits and when she cut her hair off. Lol I’m sure Emily has never lived that down. I also remember talking to her and checking her out at J&M. Then later I was there teaching vacation bible school at FBC Silsbee while she was there every morning checking kids in and helping them with the enrollment process. I know she will be missed. Love to you and your Family, Starla
Cheryl Morgan Cawley
She was such a sweet loving lady. And one of my favorite teachers in school. Prayers for you all
Craig and Leslie (Cobble) Pember
Amy, I was heartbroken to read about your sweet mom. She was such a wonderful lady and a great example to all. I know that you have great memories of her. May you feel the love and peace of Christ during this difficult journey. (Craig and I miss our conversations with you and Joe.)
Linda Redkey Hoskins
My deepest sympathies to each of you. I had the privilege of having Mrs. Armour as a 4th grade teacher at Read -Turrentine the first year it opened as a new school. I can still remember the room we were in and the learning that took place. She was a wonderful teacher. Later after college, I had the opportunity to be a teaching colleague with her at Read. I will hold all of these fond memories and experiences of knowing her dear to my heart. I wish I had kept up with her after I moved away. She was one special lady. I enjoyed seeing the tribute video of her. My thoughts and prayers to each of you.