Betty Armstrong Pound

Betty Gayle Armstrong was married to Frank Reese Pound Jr., in 1957. They had 4 children, Tamara LeBleu, Susan Frances, Tracy Anne and Frank Brittain. Betty was born in Calcasieu Parish Louisiana during a family duck hunt on the Bayou. Betty grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana with her brother John and sister Frannie. Her father John B. Armstrong affectionately known as ‘Big Daddy’ was a roughneck on the oil rigs, shipbuilder, and later worked as a city manager for Lake Charles. Her mother Ava LeBleu, known as ‘Big Mama’ gave Betty her artistic skills, toughness and determination. Betty’s namesake, Daddy Gayle, a lawyer, played on the 1st LSU Tigers football team. Betty’s Cajun heritage was a big part of her life with many stories she would share to entertain all. To go along with Betty’s story times during the holidays there were plenty of Cajun dishes like spicy Boudan and slow cooked Gumbo which tasted best at the fish camps on the shores of the Calcasieu River. Southwest Louisiana is a unique place due to its history of Cowboy, Cajun, Creole, African American and Immigrant communities and made Betty and her heritage full of rich and entertaining stories. Betty’s grandchildren could always count on a story about Jean Lafitte, Arsene LeBleu and buried treasure.

She graduated from Louisiana State University with a teaching degree and began her career as an elementary school teacher in north Florida where she met her future husband Frank, a Marine Corps flight instructor, in 1956. Pets were always a large part of Betty’s life and she started off with the first family pet ‘Power Push’ which she and Frank brought with them on numerous trips to the Pensacola beaches and boat rides on the rivers. If one received a letter or card from Betty there would probably have been a small creative doodle of the pets surrounding her as she wrote.

Frank and Betty were married in Lake Charles in August of 1957. They moved to Gainesville, Florida where Betty continued teaching and holding down the fort while Frank studied Law at the University of Florida.

Their first born, Tamara came into the world in 1959 and shortly thereafter Betty, Frank, Power Push and ‘Tammy’ moved to Orlando. There Susan was born and the family grew and moved again to Titusville where Tracy was born and then finally their youngest Frank “Brittain” when they established their final home on the Indian River in Cocoa. That old house on the river hosted many guests and heard many stories over the years. It was and continues as a source of endless good memories, fun times and that long driveway offered a great runway for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Settled in Cocoa, Betty raised the kids and opened a card and gift shop in Rockledge while volunteering at the United Methodist Church in Cocoa, the Rockledge sharing center, and Wuesthoff Hospital.

Though all the trials and tribulations of life Betty was tough as nails on the inside; on the outside, she was a Sunflower who brightened everyone’s day that came into contact with her. She was always ready with a funny story and a laugh and chuckle to give.

Betty is survived by her 4 children, their spouses, and her brother John Armstrong. She leaves behind an amazing set of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. They give testimony to her leading by example to bring a smile and laugh to others no matter how hard or difficult the times might be for you. As Betty entered the final stages of her life these traits shown through more brightly than ever. She will be missed dearly. The world is better for her being here and better more for her now looking over all of us in her special way.

Services will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023 2:00 PM, at Georgiana Church on Merritt Island.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Betty’s name to the Max Pound Foundation https://www.themaxpoundfoundation.com