Katherine Toler Armstrong

Katherine “Kay” Toler Armstrong passed away from complications of a stroke, in her home surrounded by loving family. Kay was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina February 12, 1940 to the late William Henry, and Katherine Burnette Toler. She attended Rocky Mount Highschool, Marjorie Webster College and Sullins College.

While working at Duke Hospital she was introduced to a young medical student from Georgia. She always said that she knew from the beginning that she was going to marry George, true to her word; Kay and George just celebrated their sixty-second wedding anniversary one week before her death. George was the true love of her life. Kay and George spent a lifetime together living in Durham, North Carolina, Decatur, Georgia, Beaufort, South Carolina, Atlanta and Columbus, Georgia, the family moved to Jacksonville in 1983.

Kay was artistically talented and creative. She was an incredible cook and catered many events, her food was not only delicious, it always had artistic presentation. She painted beautiful landscapes, and paintings which she loved sharing with family and friends. Kay was a member of the Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Alyssum Garden Club, and Floralia. Kay studied flower design all over the world, staying at the National Cathedral in Washington. She loved attending flower shows with friends and family from Philadelphia all the way to Chelsea. George encouraged her love of flowers, travelling to Holland, France and beyond. She truly felt flowers spoke to her. Her floral arrangements were unique and were seen in Riverside Presbyterian Church, the Cummer Museum, Beau Rivage, and in flower shows. Kay was a devoted member of Riverside Presbyterian Church, where she was a Deacon, and for many years she served organizing church dinners, funeral receptions, and doing flowers for the altar guild.

Kay above all loved her children and grandchildren to whom she was known as KK. She loved baking with them, spending time with them, supporting them, hosting “Camp KK”, and even playing paintball.

Kay was predeceased by her parents and her brother William Henry Toler, Jr. She is survived by her husband George, son George III (Courtney), daughter Katherine Forrester (Ken), and grandchildren Bentley Forrester, Mac Forrester, Caroline Armstrong, Brennan Armstrong, and Foster Armstrong. She is also survived by her brother Samuel S. Toler (Pru), brother in law Joe C. Armstrong (Pat), sister Phyllis P. Toler, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

We are so thankful for the amazing friends and Care Givers that took such incredible care of Kay in the last four years Kris, Treasure, Elaine, Neisha, Norkinjhia, and Pat.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 20th, 2024, 11:00 am at Riverside Presbyterian Church, 849 Park Street, Jacksonville, Florida, 32204. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to Riverside Presbyterian Church, or Wolfson Children’s Hospital.