Ossie N. Armistead was born May 17, 1928, in Newark, New Jersey to her parents Hazel Stokes and Weissy Godwin. A native of Vauxhall, she was raised by her paternal-grandmother, Naomi Godwin "Grandma Omi". She had one sister and one brother, the late Abdus-Shahid Yasin and Audrey Godwin.

Ossie attended to Union High School in Union, New Jersey. She graduated from the North Ward Center as a certified Child Care Attendant in 1999 and worked in the field of childcare. Ossie married George Clayton Armistead on October 6, 1946. She was married to George Clayton for 61 years before his passing in 2007. From this union came Kamaal (Warren) Yasin, who predeceased her, Myrna Denise Armistead, Bruce William Armistead, and Sharon Lynn Armistead. In addition to her children, she leaves behind a host of grandchildren, Melissa Lee, Sadiquah Copeland, Sabrina Lee, Umar Yasin, Tariq Yasin, Abdul-Mateen Yasin, Abdul-Akir Yasin, Latoya Smith, Naadira Yasin-Daniels, Danielle Armistead, Jasmine Armistead and Bruce William Armistead, Jr. She also leaves behind twenty-four great grandchildren, numerous great great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Ossie became a loyal and dedicated member at Greater Harvest Baptist Church, Newark, NJ. She enjoyed watching soap operas, reading, and mastering word search puzzles. She was an avid fan of Broadway plays and hosting family events. She was always willing to open her home to anyone in need, she offered guidance, support, and love to all. She lived a life led by love and challenged others to do the same. She was kind-hearted, caring, generous, and a thoughtful woman of God. Her smile and soft laughter will be missed by her family and friends. Her impact shines bright as a beacon of admiration, hope, and courage that will be missed but sustained through all who have known her.