I have just now read all these wonderful memories of Eleanor! What an amazing person she was! I only saw her a few times, she is my mama's first cousin, but she will be remembered by me always! Love to the family!

I spent a month with Aunt Eleanor, Uncle Mike, and Cousin Delta, when they lived in Texas. As we traveled to Texas we stayed in hotels and Aunt Eleanor, Delta and myself would play in the pool, I would laugh at Aunt Eleanor as she would dog paddle around. Aunt Eleanor, Delta and I would go to lunch and the beach every week. We had so much fun. Aunt Eleanor was more than a Aunt to me, she was my mentor, best friend, and  always there with loving stories of her and my mothers childhood. She was always worried about my family and me while I was concerned about her and her family. She made beautiful baby blankets for my Grandchildren. Aunt Eleanor had a heart of Gold and I miss her terribly, but I know she is in heaven with her family singing her heart out. Rest in peace sweet lady.

Lucky and I were blessed to buy a home down the street from Eleanor and Mike in 1984.
Our son Garrett was born the next year and Eleanor was my support and friend as I began this journey of motherhood. She welcomed me with a warm heart and laughter several times a week as I Ventured out with Garrett in the stroller. Over the years she helped me make a quilted comforter for the big boy bed when son Colin arrived and took over the crib. Eleanor fixed my first attempt when I ended up with the batting on the outside. Later on Eleanor would walk with me in the early morning and I treasured her friendship, her talents, and her ability to make everyone feel special. I learned first hand from Eleanor and Mike what it means to be a team in marriage. I love them both.

Here is Cali asleep in the beautiful quilt her great Aunt Eleanor made.

One of my favorite pictures.  Uncle Mike took this one of us and sent me a copy.

Here is the picture where Aunt Eleanor saw me wearing the ring she passed down to me.  A very special moment.

Here is a special picture from our wedding.  A hug for the bride.

Gosh, I don't even know where to start.  My Aunt Eleanor, my Father's sister, has always held a very special place in my heart.  As does my Uncle Mike.  I can remember as a little girl, when Uncle Mike, Aunt Eleanor, and Delta would come to town for a visit, it was always a special treat.  They would bring candies I had never seen, and almost always a hand-made surprise as well.  I still have a little red mouse Eleanor made with my name on it...I'm guessing I was about 3 or 4 when she gave it to me (I'm 37 now).  It was exciting having someone from the "big city" to come and see us in our little farming community.  My grandmother, Maw Willie (Wilma Ward)...who I practically lived with, my very favorite person as a little girl, just loved Eleanor.  She talked about Eleanor and Mike constantly, and loved showing me their letters with smiley faces, and she also loved showing me pictures of Little Delta.  

A few later memories that are really special to me:

When I was in my early 20's, Eleanor mailed me a ring of my grandmother's with a little note...and I remember sitting in my car on my lunch break at work, opening it, putting it on, and crying.  I am so sentimental, and this ring just touched me more than too many other things have.  I used this for my wedding ring when I got married, many, many years later.  I have a picture of Eleanor seeing it on my hand for the first time.  (I will post it following this).  

Another special memory is Eleanor and Mike actually being at my wedding.  It was in 2008, and despite any illness or hardship, they were both there.  It meant more to me than they could possible ever know.  I was so touched, and I just felt really special that they made it there for me.  

A few years after the wedding, we were finally blessed with a baby girl after many years of trying.  She asked me what the colors of her nursery were going to be, and she made the most beautiful, vibrant quilt for Cali!  I have to say, it really suits her!  (I will try to post a picture of this too).  Speaking of quilts, I have always been a collector...I search high and low for them....flea markets, thrift stores, yard sales, you name it!  Eleanor knew I loved them, so she actually sent me one that my Great-grandmother, Willie Ivey Cloud made.  I was in shock and just filled with so much joy that she would do that for me.  It must have been so hard to part with such a treasure.  I cherish it so very much.  She inscribed both quilts for me, which I am so thankful for.

One of the gestures that has always touched me the most, however, is Uncle Mike and Aunt Eleanor's constant correspondence.  They have never missed a birthday, an anniversary, or anything.  I don't have one other loved one who has ever kept in touch and written the way they have.  I tried my best to do the same, although I'm sure I fell short.  

My one true regret:  Aunt Eleanor never had the chance to meet my baby girl Cali.  I let life get in the way, and just never made the trip happen. We were planning to visit on Thanksgiving.  I am just devastated and heartbroken, because I know she would have been so thrilled to see Cali. At the service, Cali and Lauren (Eleanor's granddaughter) immediately became best friends.  It was just so bittersweet for me, because all I could think of is how much Eleanor would have loved to have seen them together.

Also, at the service, I absolutely loved hearing Delta's and James's stories.  I feel like I got to know Aunt Eleanor through them...and I learned what a truly amazing person she was.  She touched me in so many ways.  And my world will be a little less bright without her presence. I hope one day, I can be joyful rather than sad when I think of her and tell Cali about what a beautiful person she was.  I can only hope to be half the woman she was.  What a true inspiration.

My first memory of Mrs. Armstrong was while she and Mr. Armstrong patiently, kindly and loving taught a group of teenage high school kids how to properly construct a Trojan war ship for our homecoming parade. I believe she sewed the costume I wore. I was the Gator on the ship, whipping the Trojans and dancing to â€œLet it Whipâ€ by Dazz Band. I remember her smile and how beautiful and warm it was; and her full laugh that would often be accompanied with a joke or playful jibe. In a word I think she was the most authentic person I'd met in my life at that point. She was an inspiration for being a good human. Her peaceful, calm, and loving nature leaves warm memories.  Loved and missed but never forgotten, thank you Mrs. Armstrong for all that you did.
Love,
Richard Jaimeyfield

Your faith, passed on to your daughter, was ultimately passed on to a school skipping, wise-cracking, directionless kid. As a result, many, many people have come to know Jesus.  I'll miss you, Eleanor.  May the angels greet you in paradise.

When I think of Mrs. A, I remember all the time I spent in your home when I was in middle and high school. You opened your house to us kids, you let my band practice in your garage and took me on many family trips with all of you, Delta and Delta's brother, Marmaduke. Mrs. A treated me like I was one of hers, meaning being incredibly funny and not trying to be perfect (but coming pretty close), singing beautifully in front of us with no shyness and being an incredible role model for what being an authentic, strong Christian woman and mother (and what a marriage to witness-could go on about that for hours)could be. Saying goodbye to Mrs. A was like saying goodbye to my own mother again. I look forward to our grand reunion in heaven one day down the road...........Love to all of you!

Aunt Eleanor, Uncle Mike and "Little" Delta were always a constant in my childhood and on into my adult life.  Aunt Eleanor always knew how to make you laugh no matter what was going on...Memories of greyhound bus rides, getting lost on an air force base, peace signs, cooking "grand" dishes, making polishing silver "fun"are just a few of the thousands of memories I will always treasure. Until we meet again Aunt Eleanor. Love you Uncle Mike, Delta, Bob, Daniel, James & Lauren and Uncle Mike.

I was so saddened to learn of the passing of Eleanor (will always be Mrs. Armstrong to me).  During middle and high school, the Armstrong family was always hosting us for after school gatherings, pool parties, movies, or building of parade floats, among other things.  In my mind, I still remember these times fondly.  It's hard to believe that my own kids are now older that I was at that time.

I knew Eleanor as an Air Force wife when our husbands were stationed at Whiteman AFB, MO. She was an exemplary example of a dedicated military wife...always ready to lend a hand in the many activites of the Wives' Club. As a newcomer, she welcomed me with open arms and made me feel comfortable at my new home.  We became best of friends and did a lot of "crazy stuff" together.  Our children were the same ages and we had lots of play dates.  It was always fun to be around Eleanor as she could keep you laughing with her charmful, southern ways and just full of mischief!!   I have missed her so much over the years since military life and so often wished we were closer in miles so we could be mischievious again.  She was a beautiful Christian wife, mother and friend...I learned a lot about life from Eleanor and still learning as I saw how she conquered the challenges of health issues over the years. I feel blessed to have known Mike and Eleanor and little Delta growing up---and now Delta's wonderful family too. Brave graceful Eleanor, always in my heart.
Love you and will see you again one day.

I remember the morning El told me you two were moving to Jacksonville from Palm Beach Gardens. I was crying so much Marty made me go home and miss church !She so sweetly made crib quilts for my grandchildren. She also taught me how to cook green beans the right way and how to fold fitted bed sheets. A fabulous friend and tutor. I miss her but I guess she and Marty are chatting in heaven !

Mike, When I think of the first time I met Eleanor at your house...I remember her clear, pure grace and strength, it is the memory and example of God's grace that I will remember. Marcy

As I sit here at my desk this mourning and reflect on the life of "Aunt Annie" the first thing that sparks my memory is her love of music and beautiful voice singing old gospel hymns when we were together when I was a kid. But the most lasting impression remains the small stack of antique greeting cards here on my desk that Mike and Eleanor have send to me and my small family over the years for birthdays, Anniversary's and other occasions. This is one small gesture that has spanned my lifetime that I will never forget. Thank you for a lifetime of memory's! She will be missed by all of us. Eleanor is a pure example of Strength and courage in the face of a unstoppable enemy! May we all have that drive and ambition in our daily lives, as She will be an inspiration for the rest of mine.

Mrs. Armstrong was about as perfect a mom as anyone could be. She always made her home so warm and welcoming.  She was so sweet and kind, and made growing up in Panama City that much more fun.  She was just special but we all have so many special memories of her and how wonderful she was.

Your family is in my prayers.  When I think of Eleanor words that come to mind are gracious, welcoming, warm, caring and fun.  I am glad I have a recipe book and Christmas ornaments that will bring her smiling face to me every time I see them.

I have always admired the close relationship that Delta had with her mom, Eleanor! I met her about 10 years ago when my son played on the same t ball team as James. Delta and I both were pregnant with our little girls and quickly bonded as we both had 2 boys and then our girls. So many times I would sit on the bleachers at the ballpark with Mike and Eleanor and cheer on the boys. I always thought how special it was that their grandparents could be a part of that. The thing I will remember most about Eleanor was the way she cherished our daughters, Lauren and Emma's,friendship as well as mine and Delta's! She was always so supportive of the challenges my daughter faced and just always made both Emma and me feel special! She had that way about her...making you feel special! I feel blessed that I was able to be a part of the Christmas brunch the last few years as well! But my absolute favorite thing I loved about Eleanor was the gift she gave me... Delta! She raised a wonderful daughter and created a woman that is the most loving, witty, loyal, funny, caring friend anyone could ask for! Thank you Eleanor for giving me my best friend! You are dearly missed and will always be remembered!

Wayne told me so much about his closest cousins Eleanor and Delta.  How Eleanor had a Model A with rumble seat and Barbara, Delta and him would ride in it.  They were very close growing up because they lived nearby and Eleanor, et al came often to visit their grandparents. Eleanor often called to talk to Wayne about something she read in the Donalsonville News or to discuss some event when they were young. He will miss those calls. He remembers dropping of paper goods to you all in Panama City; if you weren't home Eleanor always knew Wayne had come by. I loved Eleanor and Mike immediately!  Her love of The Lord was  always apparent in everything she did.  She was so thoughtful and generous.  Her energy was amazing! She quilted a Bible Cloth for our grandson, Noah, before he was born. It has hung in his room ever since.  He knows all the Bible stories on the cloth.  It will always hang in our home and I'm sure he will  cherish it and the memories we have shared because of it.  Her Christmas Luncheons were awesome!  She gave and received so much joy from them - we looked forward to them every year and could always mark our calendar for the first full weekend of December.  Mike was there to support her and you could see  the pride he had in her and how much he adored her.  My only regret is that I didn't get to meet you all sooner, but have been blessed for 20 years.  What a legacy she has left.  You know the Bible says of a Godly/devoted Mother "Her children will rise and call her blessed."

I first met Eleanor when I came to Florida for a Bridal Shower she and I were having for Delta and Bob. I was so impressed by what a sweet Southern Lady she was (I being from the north).  She couldn't have been more gracious to me and we have been friends ever since. Then when the grandkids came along we shared all those special moments as only grandmas could about how "cute" they were and  all those "little" things they said or did. She was so proud of them. Eleanor and Mike were my eyes and ears since I was so far away. We had many wonderful conversations which I will miss very much. I would call with the words "Pittsburgh checking in" It was my honor to have known her.
Carol Hamilton, Pittsburgh,Pa

This is to Mike and Delta Dawn- praying for the comfort of the Holy Spirit to fill you in the loss of your Eleanor. You have beautiful hearts that reflect God's love. You are blessings to all the lives you touch- and I am thankful for you- Eleanor, Mike and Delta Dawn.

Aunt Eleanor has a special place in Tubbys heart so I knew then that she would be someone special to me too.   When we first got married we had no money to go on a honeymoon so your Mom and Dad invited us over to their house in PC.   I never will forget how welcoming into the family she made me feel.   Although we did take you to the park and we were late getting back with you.  Therefore we got in trouble.   I didn't realize your dad was military and I mean MILITARY but your mom kind of calmed things down.  I think she saw fear on our faces.  Your mom left behind so many good memories for Tubby.   He talks about her a good bit.  We loved her dearly and she certainly will be missed by so many.

A favorite memory of Eleanor.....
When we were wayyyy younger they came to our house a lot to visit with Gramma Ivey and one of the funny things she and Delta (sister) did was--one would stand behind the other and "furnish the arms for the one in front"...then one in front would sing or say...there once was a tall short skinny fat young old man and ...I forget the rest of it..but the one in back would flail their arms to the appropriate words.  They would be laughing so hard they could hardly get thru their skit and we who were watching were also doubled over in laughter.  
Whenever they came you could be sure there was lots of antics and fun to be had.  Eleanor certainly had Aunt Wilma's love of life and she shared it with all who knew her. May her happiness and love of life continue on in the wonderful memories we all have in our hearts because of her....I shall miss her gentle spirit! Cousin Barbara

Dear Eleanor, Thank you so much for introducing me to the amazing artichoke and for creating a magnificent being named Delta. May you live on in the hearts of all who you touched in your life. Namaste, Memphis

how much room do i have?! eleanor taught me, "powder n paint - make ya what ya ain't." she taught me that they are called whump biscuits. she (and mike) got me my subscription to bon appetit, which not only saved my husband from starvation, but truly inspired a passion for cooking. every time i core a head of iceburg lettuce i think of her. i have a quilt in my room that i still nap with that she made for me before i went to college. she threw me a beautiful bridal shower, and made quilts for my babies. she and mike threw a party for me when i moved to jacksonville. she and mike took me to buy my first car (a miata!!). 
one of my most treasured memories is of my 16th birthday.  my brother was arrested, my father was out of town, my mother had to go bail him out and at the last minute, my date cancelled. oh! we also lived on a boat. one of my friends lived near mike and eleanor,  so they picked up my friend and stopped at 7-11 and picked up candy and junk food and magazines and really really saved the day.  i still think of that when i find myself with a friend in distress and i don't know how to solve it.  mike and eleanor showed me that sometimes it is most important to just show up. and if you can show up with m-n-m's and a 17 magazine, all the better.

I do and will continue to miss my Aunt Eleanor.  She was always one of my favorite people. I have great childhood memories of her and my aunt Delta and their old Hudson taking me to the  drive-in.  All I had to contrbute was my 50 cent allowance for gas.  I had such an awesome time with her.  She taught me about integrity and honor.  She will always be in my heart.
Dave Webb

Beautiful Strong Angel... You will be missed... until we see you again, love you Eleanor...

What great pictures of a great lady and great family who love the Lord. The memories will continue on the other side. Heaven will be a GREAT REUNION for those who love the Lord and have their names written in the book of Life.
We love you Mike and keep you and the family in our prayers.
Valencia, Spain

Eleanor was a kind and gentle spirit. I will miss her as a neighbor and friend. She and my husband formed a special connection due to a mutual disease. She made him a lap quilt with Labradors on it, knowing his love for our sweet Kenzie. Eleanor fought a valiant fight against her disease~~I know she is busy renewing her connections with those who went before her! My heart goes out to the family left behind for their heartaches.

Mike, Delta and Family

I am so sorry for your loss. I have loved Eleanor for 59 years. She will be missed by all

Mike- I never met your wife, and Delta's Mom but I KNOW that she was a wonderful loving mother and, it seems, loved with all of her heart. She did a fabulous job of raising Delta and seemed to be an important loving Grandmother to her three grandchildren. I am sure that you miss Eleanor every minute of every day but she is still with you through the wonderful daughter you two raised. I don't have any memories to share but please know that she is always with you!

I loved Delta's remembrance of her mom. Like Delta's mom and the raisin box, my mom taught me the same thing. She also taught me how to make a trumpet sound from a paper towel tube!!!

Mrs. Armstrong was always a rock for us growing up with Delta. She made the Armstrong home a welcome respite from being a nerd in High School. I spent many Monday nights watching Little House on the Prairie. Mostly, I enjoyed the solidity of their family blended with the open hospitality of the Armstrongs. Mostly that love was extended by Eleanor, since Mr. A is a little gruff until you get to know him (love you Mr. A!). Their home was the kool-aid house and one I've always aspired to (except for wiping the bathroom sink after use). The Armstrongs introduced me to the Presbyterian church and because of Delta, I went to Windy Gap. While the religious foundation did not take right away (after all I did go to University of Florida in the eighties), eventually I nested into the Methodist church and find that my goal is to provide a solid place for my children. 

Delta and Mr. Armstrong, you will miss Mrs. Armstrong, but I'm sure she is singing in heaven, waiting for us all. My love to you, Holly Vickrey (nee Hickenlooper)

I can't find words to describe Eleanor's beauty. Her beauty was both spiritual and physical. She made everyone feel special. I will miss her friendly calls and loving warmth. 
Betty Meers

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

What a lovely new block in the heavenly quilt you are, Eleanor. Warm Mike, Delta, and family in what will be a deep winter of loss. Your southern wit, the shine of your polish, your staunch faith, and the flash of your smile made for such a beautiful home. Now, enjoy the home prepared for you by Our Father. May her peace be with you, Mr. Armstrong and Delta. Love (from down the street), Kevin

Our condolences to Mike and the family
John & Mary Sweeney - Oregon, Il

Tom and I will miss you, your enthusiasm and optimism so very much, Eleanor.  You have been my quilting partner and friend for more than 20 years and you have made every moment special.
Love,
Rori Bebko (Aiken, SC)

Delta, Mr. Armstrong and kids, I am so terribly sorry for your loss.  Will see you on Sunday.  Praying for and thinking of you all.

Mike and family, I am so so sorry for your loss.  I know how hard it is.  I have such fond memories of when our families became one.  When I got the message, the first thing I thought was-Eleanor and Bob are in heaven singing their hearts out. I love you mike and your family are still in my prayers.  Sis

Thinking of you Uncle Mike, cousin Delta, and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Will see you on Saturday. We LOVE you Aunt Eleanor. You were the best Aunt anyone could ever have!

Lots of Love Always,
Greg & Ron

With our deepest sympathies and sincere understanding we hold you in our prayers and thoughts.

Harry Wills and Allison (Wills) Williamson, family of Cecile Allen Nice and Roberta "Jeanie" Nice Wills

My thoughts and prayers are with Mike and family. With many precious memories of you two and Eleanors sweet attitude through it all  What a long good fight and now she is with our LORD TO BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW AND LOVED HER Iva
Huffingham

My deepest sympathies. May the "God of all comfort," help to ease the pain of your grief during this time.(1 Cor 1:3,4)

She was a great lady and a generous spirit. I will always cherish the baby quilts she stiched with love. She will be remembered in the hearts of so many.

OBITUARY

Eleanor Parker Parker Armstrong

9 August, 1937 – 10 November, 2014

Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home

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