Shirley Livesay Armstrong, devoted wife, loving mother, and adoring grandmother, passed away in the early morning of Sunday, January 12, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years Phillip J. Armstrong, and is survived by her seven children (and their spouses); Mark Armstrong (Lianne), Barbara Beierlein (Harry), Teresa Touchette (Brant), Paul Armstrong (Suzanne), Peter Armstrong (Elka), Patty Trexler (Jon), Michael Armstrong (Julie), and 21 beloved grandchildren.
Shirley was born December 27, 1930 and grew up in Emporia in southern Virginia with her sister Francis, her mother Hilda Kreienbaum Livesay, and her father Clarence Livesay. After earning her degree in Library Science from Longwood College she met and married the love of her life. They settled outside of Washington D.C. in the growing suburbs of Northern Virginia where she raised her seven children and applied her skills as a librarian. She was one of the original “Soccer Moms” and an energetic member of her community and local parish Holy Spirit. After retirement, she and Phil relocated to Fuquay Varina, North Carolina where she excelled in the role of “Nana” to her many grandchildren.
Shirley was devoted to her faith and the Catholic Church, to her life long love of books (especially mysteries), her pets, her family, and her many friends throughout the years. She will be dearly remembered by all who knew her. A memorial mass will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 11:30 am at Saint Bernadette Catholic Church in Fuquay Varina. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in gratitude to Transitions Life Care, Raleigh.
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