Betty Lou Worthington Armstrong

Betty Lou Worthington Armstrong
March 13, 1930 – June 15, 2016
Betty passed peacefully surrounded by her husband Ivan and loving family at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson, SC.
Betty was born in Ayden, NC. She attended Converse College, graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and was a loving wife, mother, teacher and homemaker.
She and her husband Ivan celebrated their 64th anniversary on June 8th. Betty Lou loved and guided her children, teaching us love of God and others, personal responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and how to live a life of meaning. She nurtured others like she did her African violets inherited from her mother-in-law decades ago.
Betty read passionately and found peace watching the birds come to her feeders in the back yard. Her heart was soft and huge and she gave great hugs and brilliant smiles. She was an excellent cook, gardener, potter, seamstress, loved to knit, and collect sea glass and shells. She especially loved dark chocolate!
In her youth, she loved helping her father in his business, Worthington’s Five & Dime. Whether working the candy counter or assembling toys on Christmas Eve, Betty had many fond memories of her Dad. Her mother Ethel was an epic bridge player who passed down her skills.
She expressed her love for life and honored God through singing. Betty sang in the choir of St. John’s Methodist Church for more than 50 years. Many will remember her from the Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium Chorale. Her voice carried us up like wings of angels and she now sings beautifully in her heavenly choir.
Betty Lou will always be with each of us in our spirits, hearts, minds and warm memories. She asks that in lieu of flowers, you please support Meals on Wheels (P.O. Box 285, Anderson, SC 29622) and Hospice of the Upstate (1835 Rogers Rd. Anderson, SC 29621).
She was predeceased by her parents, Thelbert Garris Worthington and his wife Ethel Finch Worthington, and her sister Martha Finch Abernathy.
In addition to her husband, Ivan B. Armstrong, Sr., she is survived by four children and eight grandchildren.
Son, Ivan Baker Armstrong, Jr. of Greenville, SC; granddaughter Lindsey Otis Laseter; grandson David Garris Armstrong
Daughter Lynn Armstrong Coffin and husband Gary Leslie Coffin of Sarasota Florida; grandson Mikael Lindsey Hirsch and granddaughter Lauren Baker Hirsch
Daughter Jean Armstrong Lovett and husband Dr. John Wilson Lovett of Wilmington, NC; granddaughter Kathryn Armstrong Lovett; granddaughter Julia Louise Lovett
Son John Patrick Armstrong and wife Mary-Margaret Armstrong of Raleigh; grandson Benjamin Baker Armstrong; grandson Thomas Garris Worthington Armstrong
The family will be at the Armstrong’s home at 2806 Echo Trail, Anderson, SC for condolences.
There will be a memorial service for Betty on Monday, June 20th at St. John’s Methodist Church at 3pm in the sanctuary. The family will host a visitation from 1:30pm until 2:45pm before the service.
Our deepest thanks go to Carey Jones, Stephanie Garrett, Tracy, Charla, Margaret and Rhonda of C3 Elder Care, the staff at Garden House Assisted Living, the care team at National Health Care, and the devoted team at Rainey Hospice House.
Betty Lou was a devoted member of Garden Trail Garden Club. The ladies loved her pickled brussel sprouts and graciously brought greenery from their yards to create the arrangements to honor their dear friend. She found great joy with her friends in Tai Chi and the YaYa Sisterhood.
Let us celebrate together this beautiful woman we loved so deeply.