Mary Armstrong

Mary “Nell” Wilkinson Armstrong, 90, of Glennville, Georgia passed away on April 28, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, Georgia. She was born in Glennville, Georgia on July 25, 1929 to the late Dewey Wilkinson and Mary Williams Wilkinson. Nell grew up in Glennville along with her 6 other siblings. She graduated from Glennville High School and attended Brewton-Parker College and Georgia Southern University. After marrying Bill Armstrong in 1949, she supported his service in the Air Force, which allowed her to travel with him to Washington, California, and Louisiana. They settled in West Monroe, Louisiana where Bill opened Armstrong’s Cricket Farm. Between working at the cricket farm and raising her four children, Jack, Jeff, Jimmy, and Juli, she enjoyed a healthy social life as well.

Nell’s talents and abilities took flight beyond working behind the desk and at home. She earned her instrument rated pilot license in 1972. Her motherly nature also led her to be a dorm mom at Lindenwood College during the early 90’s.

When Nell was not serving at the Glennville Garden Club, she enjoyed singing in the GUMC choir before she became a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Her children recall her to be kind, loving, patient and very understanding. She loved her grandchildren and looked forward to every visit they made to her white farmhouse in the country. “Bama” as they affectionally called her, was the epitome of southern grace and class. Their memories of her included lazy talks on her front porch, picking blueberries, climbing her magnolia tree, “grandmother cookies”, and listening to her colorful stories shared around the table.

Nell’s fun-loving and warm personality made everyone who knew her feel so loved. She cherished good conversations and was so proud to brag on someone else’s latest accomplishments. Her words were uplifting and seasoned with just enough wit that was sure to make you laugh. God was her strength and His presence in her heart was ever so bright. Nell - sister, mother, “Bama”, and friend - will live on forever in the hearts and lives of those she loved and loved her back.

She is survived by her brothers Roger (Barbara) Wilkinson, Gene (Frances) Wilkinson, and sister Alice Wilkinson; her sons Jack (Betty) and Jim (Crystal) Armstrong, her daughter Juli (John) Zopf; daughter-in-law Debbie Armstrong; grandchildren Chris (Reagan), John (Jessie), Brandon (Natalie), Kristi Armstrong, Lee Ann (Timothy) McQuillin, Paige (Michael) Ewing, Jessica (Liam) Curran; nine great-grandchildren, and her loyal caretaker Becky Laufman. She is preceded in death most recently by her son, Jeff Armstrong, her grandson Jacob Armstrong, and great-grandson Bryce Bayles.

A private graveside service will be officiated by Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home in Glennville, Georgia on Friday, May 1, 2020. Due to COVID-19, the proper ruling of social distancing of six feet between others will be enforced.

Pallbearers will be, Liam Curran, Michael Ewing, Kelly Folsom, Craig Wilkinson, and Jim Wilkinson.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the following charities and organizations: Glennville Garden Club c/o Pam Waters, P.O. Box 218, Glennville, Ga 30427; Jeff Armstrong Memorial Foundation at 306 Gordon St., Glennville, Ga 30427; and Mary Wilkinson Lady’s Auxiliary at 1580 Ebenezer Church Rd, Glennville, Ga 30427.

Care and Services are entrusted to Brannen Kennedy Funeral Home of Glennville, Georgia