Dorothy Dawn Armstrong, age 96, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 20, 1929 in Morton Valley, Texas to Tillman and Mary (Dempsey) Wheat.
Dorothy married the love of her life, Doug Armstrong in 1950, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and deep love for one another. Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and homemaker who found great joy in caring for her family.
Dorothy was one of six children, and was determined to build a life that provided a strong foundation for her family for generations to come, and was strong in her faith in the Lord constantly striving to instill that into all of her family. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, and compassion. Her love and compassion touched the lives of many with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit.
Dorothy was highly dedicated to her family, and was a pillar in every community she resided in. There was never a time or a home where she did not have a group of neighborhood children that she would adopt like her own grandchildren. She was known for her loving, compassionate, gentle, and caring spirit. Dorothy enjoyed cooking and baking, and she took great pride in being a mother and housewife. Taught by her mother, she became an accomplished piano player, sharing her gift of music with those around her. A neighbor once described Dorothy as “the sweetest person she had ever met,” a sentiment echoed by all who knew her. She was known for her tireless work ethic, her passion for helping others, and her intense love of her family. Whether she was spending time with her family or sharing stories with friends, Dorothy always brought warmth and joy through her always thinking of others first. She also helped to instill these qualities into the next generations as a preschool teacher for several years, along with teaching Sunday School at Church.
Of the many memories, here are a few we have kept close. Her and Doug loved taking trips and creating memories with friends and family. They loved hosting at their house in Angel Fire, taking their kids cruising, and took many golf trips with friends. She not only played the piano and organ beautifully, she taught several of her grandkids how to play and loved being surrounded by music. “I love you a bushel and a peck”, “Bringing home a baby bumblebee” and countless hymns and Christmas songs always made her day brighter. Dorothy loved a good game of dominoes or cards and was willing to teach anyone who wanted to learn. She had a special way of rubbing and scratching your back that gently carried you into the deepest, most restful sleep. One of Dorothy’s fondest memories is a day in which she says “her cup runneth over.” It was the day Doug and their two children shared in being baptized on the same day.
Dorothy and Doug held a very special place in the hearts of their family, and she will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know and love her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Doug Armstrong; her parents, Tillman and Mary Wheat; three brothers; and one sister.
Dorothy is survived by her loving children Alan Armstrong and wife Debbie of Amarillo and Becky Hunnicutt and husband Ken of Tyler and her sister Verna Harper of Houston. Her grandchildren Crystal Pryer and husband Jeramy of Amarillo, Keri McDonald and husband Tim of Tyler, April Reep and husband Jerod of Weatherford, Ryan Hunnicutt of Tyler, and Adam Armstrong and wife Amanda of Amarillo, and 12 great- grandchildren who will continue to cherish her memory and legacy.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 31, 2026 at Trinity Baptist Church at 10:00. In lieu of flowers, family has requested donations be made to Trinity Baptist Church Blankets of Love Ministry in memory of Dorothy Armstrong.
“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:8.
In Loving Memory of Dorothy Dawn Armstrong.
