Loraine Wickison Armstrong

Loraine Armstrong was born in London, England, in 1942, as the only child of Leslie and Celia Wickison. She was educated at Camden School for Girls in North London.

At age 21, Loraine visited her American cousins, General Richard and Betsy Connell, planning to spend a year exploring the United States. She was so taken by the size and beauty of the Country, the welcome of friends and strangers alike, as well as the professional opportunities, she decided to stay and make the States her home. With her parents’ full support and in due course, she became a US Citizen. She traveled back to London frequently to visit her parents and they also came to the United States to spend time with her.

Over the years, professional growth opened the door to business opportunities far beyond those available to her in England. She secured senior positions in planning for an International Research Organization and attended White House conferences led by Governors and industry leaders. Her long-term position, Director of Finance & Management, focused on improving agricultural practices and food systems in developing countries which provided her the opportunity to interact daily with senior research staff from developed and developing countries. Her involvement also included travel to these developing countries, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Loraine and her husband, Wes, met at a small country Church in rural Virginia, after each had lost their spouses to illness several years earlier. Loraine and Wes were married in November 2000 in Wicomico Church in Virginia. In 2004, they moved to North Carolina and attended St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. They truly enjoyed every aspect of living in Southport, making new friends, the climate and Southern hospitality. Loraine and Wes had a joyful and loving marriage and thanked the Lord for bringing them together. They are survived by Wes’ children, Nancy Armstrong, Ellen Miller, Wes Armstrong, Annie Armstrong, and Doug Armstrong, their grandchildren Wes Armstrong, Alexandra and Samantha Miller as well as countless friends who they loved dearly. Loraine special personality full of smiles and gratitude will forever remain in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Loraine Armstrong may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 1510, Ranson, WV 25438 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Services for Loraine will be held at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Southport, NC at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 9, 2024.

Online condolences may be made below.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.