Armstead Samuel Easterly Jr.

Cherished brother, uncle, and friend, passed away in April 2026 in Chicago, Illinois, in the arms of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Armstead was born on August 25, 1963, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, to his loving parents, Armstead and Virginia Easterly. As the youngest child, he was dearly cherished by his family from the very beginning.

He attended Our Lady of Lourdes School for grades one through four and Divine Infant Catholic School in Westchester, Illinois, for grades five through eight. At the age of 13, following the passing of his parents, he was lovingly raised by his Aunt Mozell and Uncle Ernest McCants in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. There, he continued his education and later graduated from the Community College of Beaver County.

After graduation, Armstead returned to Chicago, where he worked at the University of Illinois Hospital and at serveral fine-dining establishments. He took great pride in serving others, and his warm personality and strong work ethic made him well-loved by both colleagues and those he served.

At the age of 25, Armstead suffered a stroke that left him unable to use his right arm. Though his family feared for his life, his strength and determination prevailed. He refused to be defined by his physical limitations and continued doing what he loved, serving others with joy and compassion.

At age 26, Armstead joyfully accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, a decision that shaped the rest of his life, at the Faith Tabernacle Church in Chicago, Illinois. Evan through life's hardest moments, he never wavered in his love for God or his desire to serve Him.

He continued his spiritual journey at Harvest Christian Center Chicago, an extension of Faith Tabernacle Church. There, he faithfully served as a leader of the parking lot attendants and in many other areas of ministry. Though modest about his talents, Armstead was also gifted with a beautiful singing voice. He shared this  gift with the men's choir and had the opportunity to participate in a mission trip to the Republic of Ghana, Africa in 2009. He served faithfully for many years as a poll worker for the elections and loved to travel.

In the later years of his life, Armstead faced increasing physical challenges, but he never gave up. He remained deeply connected to his family, faithfully calling loved one and never missing a birthday. He was a pillar of consistency, love, and accountability-both to his family and to his brothers and sisters in Christ. His loving smile and joyful laugh will forever be remembered and deeply missed.

Armstead is survived by his loving siblings, Diane Underwood of Maywood, Illinois, and Beverly Easterly of Zion, Illinois. He also leaves behind his beloved nieces a, Meco Davis (Quienton) and Nikia Underwood, along with a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Armstead and Virginia Easterly, and by Aunt Mozell, and Uncle, Earnest McCants.