of Little Rock, AR
March 29, 1918 - November 6, 2012
MARGARET ELIZABETH REED ARMSTRONG passed away Tuesday, Nov 6, 2012.
Margaret was born in Gurdon, Arkansas, on March 29, 1918. She was the daughter of Leulah Lowe and Milner Woodhull Reed. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Major General Thomas Craft (Tom) Armstrong (US Army, ret.), her parents, and her brothers, Milner Lowe Reed and William Earl Reed. She is survived by her daughter, Margaret Carolyn Armstrong Harrison and son-in-law, William Andrew Harrison; son, Thomas C. Armstrong II; 4 grandchildren and their spouses, Katherine Harrison Sockwell and Spencer L. Sockwell, Angela Harrison Kuli and Kirk A. Kuli, Holly Harrison Cooper and Kenneth O. Cooper, and Julia Alexander and William Andrew (Drew) Harrison, Jr.; 7 great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Reed Sockwell, Sarah Camille Sockwell, Katherine Grace Kuli, Charlotte Reed Kuli, Kenneth Ousley (Casey) Cooper II, Mary Margaret Cooper, and Mary Katelyn Harrison; her sister, Carolyn Reed Deal of Monroe, LA; her sister-in-law, Nora Armstrong Buffington of Newport, AR; her dear cousin, Dr. Virginia Lou Langston of Hammond, LA; and many loving nieces and nephews.Margaret was raised in Newport, Arkansas, and graduated from Newport High School. She and her husband Tom met in 7th grade and became childhood sweethearts. In 1941, while stationed with the United States Army in El Paso, TX, Tom made a collect phone call to Margaret's family asking her to marry him. She said yes. Margaret boarded the train in Newport with a wedding dress and they were wed on July 7, 1941, in Manhattan Street Presbyterian Church, El Paso, TX. The next day, he was shipped out to the Aleutian Islands. When he returned stateside for Officers Candidate School, Margaret travelled with him until he was again shipped overseas, where he served in the European Campaign of WWII. He returned from WWII in 1945 and they made their home in Newport. Tom became a full-time employee of the Arkansas National Guard and rose to the position of Adjutants General. Margaret was affectionately known as the General's Lady for her support throughout his military career. On the day he was appointed Adjutants General, he presented her with a crown of stars in honor of the love and devotion they had for each other. Margaret fully supported him in his military career and enjoyed serving as an Officer's wife, with all the roles and responsibilities it entailed. They raised their two children in North Little Rock. A life-long Presbyterian, Margaret was the organist at First Presbyterian Church in Newport. She and Tom were both active leaders in Park Hill Presbyterian Church in North Little Rock, where she served as President of Women of the Church, Moderator of the Presbyterian Women, and was presented the Honorary Lifetime Membership of Presbyterian Women for her service to her church. She was a founding member of the Bell Choir where she played 20 years. She and Tom enjoyed the 50+ group at church and the Lunch Bunch, a gathering of retired friends that met regularly for fun and fellowship. Margaret enjoyed her sisterhood in P.E.O. Chapter I, and their support of Cottey College where her daughter attended College. Funeral arrangements are by Roller-Owens Funeral Home of North Little Rock. A reception will be held at 9:30 a.m., Friday, November 9, 2012, in the parlor of Park Hill Presbyterian Church, followed by the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Gordon Garlington of Park Hill Presbyterian Church will officiate with interment to follow at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you make donations to Park Hill Presbyterian Church, 3520 JFK Blvd, North Little Rock, AR 72116 or The Arkansas National Guard Museum at Camp Robinson, P.O. Box 58, Camp Robinson, North Little Rock, AR 72199.
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16 Condolence(s)
Jill and Dennis Kuli
Friday, November 9, 2012
What a pleasure for us to know Gram. The rehearsal dinner for our Kirk and Angela had a patriotic flare...and we do remember all singing to Gram..."She's a Grand Old Gal." And, grand she was in so many ways. Whenever we were in her company, she made us feel very warm and welcome. We eagerly soaked in the information she had to share and were pleased that she seemed to always want to learn new something, too. Her loving concern for family was admired. While Gram may have left us as she entered P.E.O, Chapter Eternal, thoughts of this special lady will always be in our hearts.
Tammy Hatfield
Friday, November 9, 2012
Margaret, my sincere condolences to you and your family during your time of loss and sorrow. Since the passing of my brother, I've leaned on a verse from the bible, II Corinthians 5:8 that helps me in times like these. "We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord." I myself don't want to be anywhere else. My prayers are with you.
Mary Catherine and Jerry
Friday, November 9, 2012
What a lady! I remember her so well and also remember she and your dad gave the OK for Cathy's rehearsal dinner at the Barksdale Officers Club. It was a privilege to know them both. We would love to see you and try to keep up with you through Angela and Kathy. Hope all is well with all of you.
Love and prayers
Mary Catherine and Jerry
Nancy Cooper
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Beautiful obituary for a beautiful, romantic life. What an amazing family she left behind, I know you are all gathering and sharing tons of stories and memories and passing them on to all the great-grandchildren. Love to all of you from Shreveport. Please know we are thinking of you and praying for peace and comfort in the coming days.
virginia armstrong stricklin
Thursday, November 8, 2012
(daughter of your cousin, earl armstrong) Love and prayers to you and your family. sincerely,
Virginia Greene
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Bill, Margaret and family: I am so sorry to hear about Ms Armstrong. I know she will be in a better place. I will not be able to attend the service my prayers and thoughts are with each one of you. Ms Armstrong was a very unique and special lady.
Joetta Milhoan Duke
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Margaret Carolyn, Bill, Tommy and family, Please know how saddened I was to read of your Mom's death in today's paper. It seems like we are losing so many of our Camp Robinson family, but I have fond memories of all of you as a neighbor, and as lifelong friends. We will be out of town on Friday so I won't be able to attend the service to pay my respects, but please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers and that we share in your loss. I wouldn't be surprised if a big National Guard conference is being planned in Heaven. My love to all, Joetta and Dick
James Christ
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Tommy I am glad you made many trips with your Mom and headed home often to be with her and family, especially the last several years. You and her family made each transition easier. You surely bless one another. May you stay close always. You and your family have my deep sympathy.
Les & Cheryl Chandler
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Sorry of your loss. May God be with you.
We are friends of David and Sandy Spivey.
Jerry & Lynne Coats
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
We were so sorry to see that Mrs. Armstrong passed away. She was such a wonderful part of your family and will be missed by many.
Jerry & Lynne Coats
LaTonya Miller
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
My deepest sympathy during your time of bereavement. May God bless and keep you and the family is my prayer Mrs. Harrison.
Martye, Concerned Neighbor
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Dear Family,
I wanted to express my deepest sympathy and concern for you and also share with you the wonderful hope for our dead loved ones. As you grieve Margaret'’s death, please reflect on the hope in question, which comes from Jehovah God. By means of the Bible, He allows us to understand that He’ll eliminate death for good one day and bring our dead loved ones back to life. This is evident in Scriptures like (Isaiah 25: 8), (John 5: 28), (1 Corinthians 15:26), (Revelation 21:3 and 4), which can comfort you in this time of sorrow. God’s promises are guaranteed because He cannot lie (Titus 1: 2). Moreover John 11 verses 11-14, 39, 43, and 44 attests that Jesus, whom God appoints to bring the dead back to life, can do it since he demonstrated that when he resurrected Lazarus and several others when he was on earth. So as you await Margaret'’s resurrection, please heed Jesus’ counsel found at John 17 verse 3 by taking steps to gain accurate knowledge of Jehovah and Jesus through a FREE Bible study with the Jehovah’s Witnesses. In John 5 verse 39, Jesus himself explains that such study is imperative for those, who wish to have everlasting life one day here on earth, which will become a paradise where you can be re-united with Margaret' again in a world free of SICKNESS, VIOLENCE, WAR, OLD AGE etc… (Isaiah 33:24), (Ps 37: 9-11 and 29), (Psalms 46: 8 and 9), (Job: 33:25).
Vicki Tyne
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
We loved Ms. Margaret and will miss her greatly. She was a very kind and sweet lady. We are praying for your family.
Vicki Tyne
Sam Cummings
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Margaret and Family-We are saddened by the passing of Mrs. Armstrong but know she is now at peace and in a better place. Dianne and I are keeping all of your family in our prayers and praying God's blessings and comfort for each of you. Love, Dianne and Sam
James Hughey
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Tommy, you and your mom will always be in my memories from the two weeks we had in cruising to Hawaii along with your Aunt Carolyn. I feel fortunate to have also shared your friendship here in Georgia over the years. Know that your presence enriches my world. My heart aches for you at this most difficult time. I do remain pleased that you and your mom had each other for so many years. Please take care of yourself during this stressful period of life transition.
Mike & Barbara Lovin
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Tommy and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time of sorrow. May you find peace that your loved one was with you for so many years and for the wonderful memories. God bless and keep you all. Love, Mike & Barbara