Johnnie-Lee Queen Esther Armstead Stewart was born May 2, 1912 in Marianna, AK, Lee County, to John Armstead and Elizabeth Blount. She attended St. John Elementary School in Felton, AK and Robert r. Moton High School in Marianna, AK.
Her Christian journey began at the age of 12 when she was baptized under the ministry of Rev. JS White in Bethel Chapel C.M.E. Church. In 1937, she moved to St. Louis and in 1938 married Fred Stewart. From this union four daughters were born. In 1941, she joined the Wayman Temple A.M.E. Church and served in the Willing Workers Club. The family moved to Kinloch in August of 1950. In January 1952, she joined Coleman Temple C.M.E. Church where she served on the Senor Usher Board for 44 years. In 1969, she organized and directed the Junior Usher Board and served until 1978.
She leaves to cherish her memory four daughters: Delores Dave, H. Judy Caine, Ruth reed and Wanda Murphy; her sister Freddie Prather; one brother-in-law, Steve Stewart; and one sister-in-law, Mary Armstead. In addition, she leaves 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.