Joyce Armstrong

Joyce Helen Crump Armstrong, age 80, left this world for her heavenly home on Monday, Oct. 5, 2020 following several years of ill health and finally a victim of the corona virus.

Helen was born November 8, 1939 in rural Hopkins county north of Pickton, TX., the daughter of Eldon and Ruth Hayden Crump.  Her father was a Baptist pastor and the family lived in several different Texas towns during her school years: Pickton, Jacksonville, Garland and Grand Saline, Texas.  She graduated from Grand Saline High School in 1959.

She met her future husband, Hubert Odell Armstrong, while playing the piano for his mother & father's quartet.  Helen & Hubert were married on December 24, 1959 in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Grand Saline, Texas.

Helen worked for Texas Instruments in Richardson, TX. for ten (10) years.  After the birth of their son, Donnie Lee Armstrong, Helen was a stay at home mom for several years.  She was later employed with the Plano Independent School District, transportation division, where she became supervisor of the Special Needs Transportation until her retirement.

Helen was a charter member of the Plano Missionary Baptist Church (now Willow Creek Fellowship).  Working with the Dallas County Association president, she initiated the organization of the church.  Helen was a faithful member and played either the piano or organ until her health left her unable to do so.  Her husband  wrote and published gospel music.  Theirs was a music filled home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, July 17, 2017, her parents, two nephews, Russ Neill and Dr. Larry Dean Swain, and a brother-in-law, John Neill.

Helen is survived by her son, Donnie Armstrong (Alyssa) and granddaughter Miranda Armstrong; one sister, Bonnie Swain Rose (Troy); one brother, Kenneth Crump (Zee); sister-in-law, Jeanelle Armstrong Neil Byrd (Mark); several great nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A private graveside service and burial will be held at Woodland Cemetery north of Pickton on Wed. Oct. 7, with Dr. David Rose officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Woodland Cemetery Association, 633 Beth Lane, Sulphur Springs, TX.  75482.