Wilhelmina Rose (Bernard) Armour

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not

perish but have eternal life. John6:35

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do not lean on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path… Proverbs 3:5-6                          

Wilhelmina Rose Bernard Armour

“Mina”

Wilhelmina Rose Armour entered eternal rest on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at age 96. "Mina" was born September 5, 1927, to the union of the late Wilfred Bernard Sr. and Frances Keller Bernard.  She was the oldest of six siblings. She received her Sacrament of Baptism at St. Peters Catholic Church.  She was educated at St. Catherine Catholic School – now Our Lady of Grace.  She attended Xavier University, Southern University and Southeastern University.  While at Xavier University she met and married Herman Armour on November 4,1949. From this union six children were born.  Herman (Skippy) Armour Jr., Palmyra Armour, Mark Armour Sr., Michael Armour Sr., Stephen Armour Sr., and Jason Armour. On November 12, 1959, at the age of 8, Mina and Herman’s only daughter received her wings, and was called home by God. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and future” Jeremiah 29:11. Mina had a passion for reading, learning, and storytelling.  In her younger years as child, she would ask for books for Christmas, not toys.  When her mother was ill she had to stay home from school and care for her mother.

She began her teaching career at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School in the 1954. She graduated from Southern University A & M with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education on May 26,1969.  She entered St. John the Baptist Parish school system in 1969. She taught English, Language Arts, and Social Studies at Leon Godcheaux High School for 20 years.  During her last 3 years at Leon Godcheaux, she was an Assistant principal.  In 1979 as Assistant Principal, she welcomed the faculty and students to East St. John High school. She was named Teacher of the year in 1982 for St. John Parish. During this time, she graduated from Southeastern University in 1984 with a Master of Education degree.

In 1984 she organized and lead the teachers’ strike. “In defiance I lay down my pen.” For Mina, this was the start of a revolution. She developed, initiated, and taught, Black History in St. John Parish Public school system, and led the St. John Parish Teachers Job action. Initiated and sponsored the ESJ High Risk/High Expectation program. Mina was also, a member of the S.J.A.E and NEA.

She served as president of both associations.  She was elected to the LEA/NEA board of directors and served as Host Committee Chair for the 1988 convention held in New Orleans.  She was instrumental in organizing school, curriculum, educational programs and school sponsored activities.  The 1980’s, she fought for the Senior students to have a school-sponsored Senior trip to Disney World. Retiring from St. John Parish public-school system in 1990, she didn’t stop being an advocate for children and education.  Fighting along with other to keep Our Lady of Grace School open, Ms. French and Mina worked together and served as Co-Principals of Our Lady of Grace School. Not all of her attention was given to Education.  Active throughout the River parish community, Our Lady of Grace Catholic church and the State of Louisiana. Mina was honored and celebrated for her commitment to Education, Family, Church, and Community. Ms. Armour was one of the founding members of Our Lady of Grace church parish Alter Society, and the four o’clock mass choir. Our Lady of Grace choir was asked to join with other choirs to sing for Pope John Paul II’s visit to New Orleans in 1987. Mina was most proud when OLG choir was asked to sing a special rendition of the Ava Maria for the Pope.  The Organist was her son Herman Armour Jr. and the soloist was Ms. Grégoire. Mina was a lector and Eucharistic minister at OLG.  Serving as member of the National Social Science Honor Society Pi Gamma Mu, Inc., St. John Parish Rotary Club where she was named citizen of the year in 1995. Vice president of the Democratic Women’s Organization. Mina was honored along with Sybil Morial and others by the late governor Kathleen Blanco as Louisiana’s Women Leaders. Mina served as emcee for the Krewe of Agape Carnival Organization for 20 years, as well as teaching etiquette and social skills to young ladies. Mina was on the Board of Governor’s at River Parish Hospital, where she volunteered in the gift shop. Served on the board of the local chapter of American Association of Retired Persons. Mina wrote a published a book in “An Awakening Heart”.  She loved to travel. Using all means of transportation she visited Canada by bus, Bahamas by boat, Atlantic City, NJ, by train and airplane to London.

Mina met and touched many people's lives and will truly be missed.

She leaves to cherish her memories Herman Armour Sr., Mark Armour Sr. (Maxine), Stephen Armour Sr., Jason Armour (Kim), and Michael Armour Jr. Her baby brother Gerald (Ven) Bernard, Sister-in-law Rhea Bernard, Brother-in-law Charles Armour, and Lewis Anthony Armour.  10 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews special friend Agnes Hall, Godchildren, other relative and friends. She was preceded in death by her Parents Wilfred and Frances Keller Bernard. Her daughter Palmyra Armour. Sons Herman (Skippy) Armour, and Michael Armour Sr. Her Father-in-law Henry Armour, Mother-in-law Palmyra M. Armour, five siblings Wilfred (Big) Bernard Jr., Verna (Bonnie) Schexnayder, Edward Bernard, and Lois Fuller. Five in-laws, Alva A. Bernard, Beulah Bardand, Martinez Mc Conduit, Manuel Armour and John Armour.

Relatives and friends of the family, Priest and Parishioners of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and all neighboring churches are invited to attend the Funeral Mass of Christian burial on Tuesday, October 24th, 2023 for 10:00 am at Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church, 722 Hwy 44, Reserve, LA 70084.  Visitation will start at 8:00 am with the recitation of the Holy Rosary to begin at 9:30am.  Fr. Godwin Ani, SSJ-Celebrant.  Interment will follow at St. Peter Cemetery, Reserve, LA.  There will be a public visitation on Monday, October 23, 2023 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home, 605 Main Street, LaPlace, LA 70068.  Final arrangement entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home and Funeral Directors, Inc., 605 Main Street, LaPlace, LA  70068. 985-359-1919.  “Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission.”

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