Barbara "B" Armstrong

She bravely battled cancer for twelve years and endured many rounds of treatment and therapies during that time. She was nearly finished with this last one and by all accounts was doing well. To everyone’s surprise, she slipped away in her sleep after spending a cozy evening with her family.

Born and raised in Frankfort, Kentucky “B” was a graduate of Frankfort High School and The University of Kentucky. It was during her formative years in Frankfort that she embodied the wholesome values of the small town that raised her. She was proud of her southern roots and her “Old Kentucky Home.”

She was the elder of two daughters born to Robert Alexander and Mary Logan Brawner.

Many assume that B was short for Beatrice and she enjoyed explaining why her name was simply the letter B (in quotes). As a small child, her parents began to call her “BB” for “Barbara Blaine”, which was later shortened to “B”. Other variations that stuck were Beezie and Beezer, to which she was lovingly referred by her friends and family.

“B” has been a leader in all aspects of her life. Voted “Most Popular” in High School, she definitely carried that title with her for the rest of her days. She was witty, winsome and engaging and had great empathy toward others. Her confidence, kindness and boundless sense of humor were beacons that drew so many to her.

In High School, she was president of her church youth group (CYF), President of her High School Sorority, and Secretary of her Senior Class.

In college, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and served as assistant Rush Chair and Pledge Trainer.

“B” married her high school sweetheart, Bob Roach and that marriage produced her two daughters, Blaine and Claire. Bob and “B“ remained lifelong friends and partners in raising them.

A third-generation educator, the teaching bug was in her blood. She put her degree right to work and taught in both private and public schools throughout her career. Early on, she opened her own pre-school in the basement of her home, teaching all of the neighborhood children. Once she became a mother, she worked as a reading tutor and volunteered at the Louisville Deaf Oral School.

Always active and involved, “B” was a member of Junior League and The Younger Women’s Club of Louisville. She continued to be active as a sorority alumnus for Kappa Alpha Theta and served as Vice President and President of her chapter in the 70’s.

In 1977, one of her dearest friends introduced her to the “love of her life”, Jim. And the rest, they say, is history. After a four-month courtship they married, blended their two broods and

moved to Pittsford, NY. Her family of six, now with the addition of two bonus sons, Steve and Jeff, thrived in the small town just outside of Rochester. “B” continued to teach, working at the local High School assisting children with special needs.

A transfer in Jim’s job moved the family to Clearwater, Florida in 1984. For several years she ran a little boutique (Frog Legs and Frills) with four other women in Belleair, FL. When she wasn’t working, the bulk of her time was spent honing her skills as Super-Fan to her children’s many activities. Beezie developed quite a reputation for leading cheers and donning team colors to support the teams associated with her children (and eventually grandchildren). She was everyone’s number one cheerleader, but it is also worth noting that she was an athlete in her own right, being an avid tennis player her whole life.

After making a few local moves, “B” settled into her ‘forever home” in South Tampa. A common family practice of going for neighborhood walks and longer weekend drives to look at beautiful homes, was most likely the springboard for B’s eventual interest in getting her real estate license. Her instinctive love for people and keen interest in homes landed her in a very enjoyable (later life) career as a residential realtor with Smith And Associates for 20+ years.

She continued to serve in her community as Vice President and Chaplain of her PEO (Philanthropic Education Association) chapter.

Most would say, to know B was to love her. That would be true, indeed. It could also be said that to meet B was to know her. Whether you worked in the check-out aisle of Publix or the infusion Center at Moffitt, you were sure to come away with a golden nugget from her colorful life. She was quick to share a compliment, advice (regardless of solicitation status), and showed a true and pure interest in everyone she met. This love of people and relationships was the fuel to her fire. It’s what motivated her to serve and lead.

Lifelong devotion to family and friends, her unwavering faith and commitment to her causes and her church , her passion for life and her love of a good laugh, were her cornerstones. Nothing made her light up more than sharing stories about her family. “B” was an adoring mother and doting grandmother. Her family was her world and it is what brought her the greatest joy.

She always wore her heart on her sleeve (along with a few dachshunds, bumblebees, snowmen or insert any sweater theme here), her jeweled cross over her heart, a cascade of gold bangles on her wrists and a twinkle in her blue eyes.

When asked how she would like to be remembered she wrote, ”caring heart, generous to others, faithful, prayer soldier, adoring grandmother, faithful loyal wife, proud loving mother, courageous-brave effort to be well, loved God and Jesus.”

Well folks, looks like she nailed it!

Left to mourn her loss are her devoted husband of 44 years, Jim Armstrong, her sister, Jennie Brawner, her two daughters, Blaine Hicks (Tom) and Claire Lessinger (Mike), her two stepsons, Steve Armstrong and Jeff Armstrong, her five beloved grandchildren, Molly, Jake, Tyler, Tanner and Finn, and countless friends and extended family.

Services will be held at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church on January 15th at 11am, followed by a reception at the church. Expressions of sympathy may be sent in the form of donations to “B”s favorite organizations linked below.

The family has established a P.E.O. STAR memorial scholarship fund in honor of “B” Armstrong, a former school teacher who had a life-long interest in education. Any additional contributions to this fund, up to a total of $15,000, will be double matched. As an example, a $100 donation will result in a $300 contribution to the fund. Scholarships will be awarded annually to a young woman in need of financial assistance and who exhibits excellence in leadership, academics, extra curricular activities and community service.

To donate please make checks payable to P.E.O. Foundation - “B” Armstrong Scholarship Fund 8557 and send to P.E.O Foundation (Fund 8557) at 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312 or visit https://donations.peointernational.org/peo-donation-foundation and select the “B” Armstrong Memorial Scholarship Fund from the drop down menu and follow the instructions to donate online.