Lillian Josephine (Phipps) Armstrong was born in the coastal town of Hull Upon Kingston, Yorkshire, England on May 17, 1925 to Joseph Charles Phipps and his wife, Elisabeth Barley. She was an only child until her 6th birthday when her brother, Arthur, was born. In 1937 her sister, Betty, was born. Lillian loved the seashore and was often found collecting shells. She enjoyed the flowers that grew around her cottage and even gave her sister, Betty, the middle name of Primrose.
Lillian finished her schooling and worked at a little grocery store in Hull around the corner. One day as she was leaving for work, she said goodbye to her mother, who was sick in bed with a migraine headache, and later learned that her mother had passed away. Lillian was only 16 and was left to take care of the cottage, otherwise it would be rented out to someone else leaving them without a home. It was wartime and Hull was under attack day and night. Her siblings went to live with other relatives to stay safe.
As she was on a train from London back to Hull at Christmas time 1943 she met a handsome American soldier who sat next to her. Myrl Armstrong was stationed at Gloxhill, England across the bay from Hull. They fell in love and were married in October 1944. Lillian’s customers from the store gave her their rations so she could have a proper wedding cake.
In July 1945 they had their first child, Carol, and started the process to come to the United States. Lillian had to be interrogated, interviewed, and vaccinated before she was allowed into the US. Finally, in March 1946 she was one of the “war brides” who came to the US on the Queen Mary which is now docked in Long Beach, CA. Her husband had traveled back to the States earlier on the same ship with a shipload of American soldiers. Lillian was leaving her family and friends, with a baby, and embarking on an adventure to a foreign country.
Due to the United States Air Force, the years that followed were filled with moves to different cities, new surroundings, new homes, and the birth of three more children, David, Margaret, and Barbara. Lillian was there for all the events, weddings, and ceremonies.
All of the children married: Carol to Don Pitts, David to Carolyn Bateman, Margaret to David Giles, and Barbara to Robert Pirie. And then the grandchildren arrived: Vickie Malmstrom (Jeff), Steve Pitts (Paula), Keith Morse (Devin) , Sarah Simas (Pat), Joe Armstrong (Joey), Rick Armstrong, and Becky Ivey. Lillian loved each one of them dearly and was always interested in what they were doing. And then the great grandchildren arrived: Gunnar Malmstrom (Joey), David Malmstrom (Allison); Bailey (Christian), Brooklyn, and Addyson Morse; Elisabeth, Patrick, and Lauren Simas; and Logan Ivey. More babies to love and cherish! Recently, a great great grandchild was born: Everleigh Morse. Lillian loved her family and took an interest in each one of them.
Lillian was an expert seamstress, knitter, gardener, and cook. She used all her talents to bring smiles and full tummies to her family. She also showed her love and care for children by working at First Baptist Church (now Gateway) Day Care. She was up early (before daylight) to unlock the doors for the “early bird” arrivals. She prepared mid-day snacks for them and helped the staff and children any way she could. Her husband passed away in April 1979 and this position help to fill her lonely days with so much fun and affection.
Lillian was a member of Gateway Church. She attended regularly and had a love for the Lord. She shared that love with those around her and people enjoyed her English accent. She left her earthly life and joined her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, August 9, 2021.
A celebration of life for Lillian will be held Friday, August 20, 2021 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Gateway Church of Visalia, 1100 S Sowell St, Visalia, CA 93277.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Armstrong family.
