Virginia was a resident of Norfolk for over 50 years, devoted to the community as an educator and volunteer. She worked for Norfolk Public Schools for 30 years, both as a social studies teacher and assistant principal. Virginia obtained her BA and MA from Old Dominion University, and her Doctorate, at 50, from The College of William and Mary.
She was born in Columbus, Ohio April 5, 1929, as Virginia Richards. She traveled extensively as a Naval officer’s wife for 18 years, and settled in Norfolk, where she later married James Armstrong, and was widowed in 1983. Virginia is survived by her children: Margaret D. Dolson, Caroline Beierschmitt (deceased), Edward R. Day III , and James S. Day. She had 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Virginia was a member of Second Presbyterian Church where she served on Sessions-which is the board of directors of the church. Children’s church was one of
her favorite activities to be involved.
She was a founding member of the Second District Women’s Political Caucus and
Served as its’ President. In addition, she served on the state board of the Virginia Women’s Political Caucus and attended many national conventions of the caucus and supported it financially. She was avid supporter of women and women’s issues and worked hard to make sure that legislation that effected women and children was passed.
Virginia was an avid supporter of the YWCA of South Hampton Roads where she served on the board of directors as well as President. Recently, Virginia was elected
President of the League of Women Voters of South Hampton Roads where she worked hard to make sure that individuals who were not registered were able to get
Registered prior to the election.
As a volunteer, Virginia worked at St. Columba Ministries where she served on the
Board of Directors and worked with those who were homeless and need resources
such as food, shelter, and medical care.
Dr. Armstrong was a consistent mentor of children and never judged them but
always found good in all. For many years she assisted many children to stay in
school and graduate. She instilled in them the love of education and how they could
go anywhere if they had a great education.
She retired from Norfolk Public Schools and in 2004 she formed her own Educational Consulting firm where she consulted with Virginia State Department of Education to work with local school districts on assessing teacher skills and how teachers could improve their instructional methods. In addition, she did educational consulting for Norfolk Collegiate School. Virginia taught graduate level
courses for school administrator for the University of Virginia.
Virginia compiled a collection of essays about women and their relationships with their mothers. The title of the book was “The Things I Would Never Tell My Mother.” In addition, she wrote poetry and was always contributing to the local newspaper editorial page. Yearly, she attended one of her favorite conferences which was the Conference on Humor. She always said that laughter was the best medicine and she often wrote about it.
Dr. Armstrong was never afraid of trying new things and in her seventies learned how to kayak as well as scuba dive. She was an avid music and art aficionado.
Virginia will be remembered most for her generosity and the genuine positive spin she put on everything. Donations to the new James and Virginia Armstrong Old Dominion University Mother’s Scholarship Fund will be accepted at the memorial service, with more specific information available at that time.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 4th, at Second Presbyterian Church, 7305 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia. Family will be receiving friends Thursday from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at 201 College Place #213, Norfolk, Virginia
23510.
Condolences may be made at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com
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