Yvonne Earltine Armstead was the only child of Rev. Man Tie and Beulah Earline Mears Armstead, born on March 22, 1930 in Tyler, Texas. Her father preceded her in death in 1932, and her mother preceded her in death in 1946.
Known as Earltine or Tenia to family and friends in Texas and California, she faithfully attended church in Tyler, Texas and accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at an early age. She attended and graduated from Emmett Scott High School in Tyler, Texas in 1948, where she was crowned Miss Emmett Scott. She is a 1952 graduate of Texas College in Tyler, Texas, an HBCU, with an Education Major. While attending Texas College, she was initiated into the Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 1950 along with her lifetime chosen sister Helen Ross Brewer, who preceded her in death.
After graduating college, Yvonne took her first teaching position in Hobbs, New Mexico in 1952. While teaching there, she was introduced to Howard L. Dennie, Sr. by mutual friends Clarence and Janelle Barrens, and the two were married in 1954 for 17 years. Yvonne remained in Hobbs until 1956, then moved with Howard to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Shortly after moving to Tulsa, Yvonne was given the nickname “Chicken”, as she is lovingly known to family and friends in Tulsa. Her first job in 1956 was the Y-Teen Director at the local YMCA. Afterwards she taught 1st and 2nd grade for 26 years at Sam Houston Elementary School. She also joined Vernon A.M.E. Church in 1956, where she has been a loyal member all of her remaining years. She served in the Women’s Missionary Society, sang in the Sanctuary Choir, and was a Trustee. She faithfully attended Vernon until her health began to fail, and she moved back to Texas to be near her children.
Yvonne and Howard became proud parents to a daughter: Kathryn Yvonne, and a son: Howard Leroy Dennie, Jr. Yvonne was a devoted, loving, and supportive mother, who opened her home to the neighborhood children. She was affectionately called “Mama Dennie” by many of her children’s friends. She also opened her home on several occasions to relatives and friends. Yvonne loved to entertain and cook and was a loyal friend to many. Anyone who came by to visit was guaranteed a great meal.
Yvonne was an active member of Elite Ladies Club and the Jolly Sisters Social Club where she helped plan and participate in many spectacular events and fund raisers.
She also was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels after she retired from teaching. On March 29, 2021, Yvonne peacefully transitioned into the arms of her Heavenly Father. Yvonne courageously fought the good fight with grace, never complaining and always smiling. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter: Kathryn Yvonne (Michael) Land – Carrollton, TX, son: Howard Leroy Dennie Jr. (Alcia) – Dallas, TX, five grandchildren: Sgt. Quinton AB Dennie – Ft, Carson, CO, Dezeree’ Nikole (Aaron) Stewart – Forney, TX, Noah Xavier Dennie – Dallas, TX, Howard LH Dennie III – Dallas, TX, Noriah Michael Land – Carrollton, TX, four great-grandchildren: Rya, Nilah, Kelsi, and Aaron Stewart II, one godson: Dewayne E. Dewberry, two special nieces: Barbara and Alvina Brewer, along with a host of cherished cousins, nieces, nephews and valued friends.
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SERVICES
Friday
April 2, 2021
6:00 PM
Golden Gate Funeral Home and A Crematory
4155 S RL THORNTON FWY
DALLAS, TX 75224
