Mary Armstrong

Smithville – Mary Inez Raper Armstrong, 83, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at North MS Medical Center. Born on January 30, 1928, in Smithville, she was a daughter of the late Autra and Jular Wigginton Raper.
Mrs. Armstrong was a graduate of Smithville High School, Class of 1947. Before becoming a homemaker in 1965, she had worked as a seamstress in a local pants factory. A faithful member of Smithville First Free Will Baptist Church, she taught Sunday School for 30 years, was active in the Women’s Auxiliary, and would always pick up children at their homes and take them to church. For 45 years, Mrs. Armstrong was a 4-H Club leader and received numerous awards for her service. She was a member of the DAV Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the VFW Auxiliary. Having sold Avon for 50 years, she had won numerous sales awards. A very caring and loving lady, Mrs. Armstrong was always giving and doing for others. Being a very gifted seamstress, she made clothes for everyone. Mrs. Armstrong enjoyed making breakfasts for her family, Gospel music, and gardening.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, T. J. Armstrong, Smithville; children, Louise Jones, Fairview, TN, Katherine Houston (Philip), Pleasant Grove, AL, Renetta McMillan (Ellie), Smithville, and Daniel Armstrong (Sandra), Smithville; sister, Elois Irvin, Hatley; grandchildren, Randall Jones, Charae Smith, Rebecca Peyton, Luke and Paul Houston, Heather Moody, Briana McMahan, Shanna Cole, Quena Mills, Misty Benson, Melanie Bennett, Kaitlin Armstrong, and Laken and Joshua Armstrong; 16 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend, Lois F. Varnell.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant sister, and two brothers, William Ray and Dexter Raper.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 AM, Friday, December 30 at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with Rev. Reid Wilkerson and Rev. Dennis Kizzire officiating. Burial will follow in Maxey Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Luke and Paul Houston, Joshua Armstrong, Chris Moody, Jeff McMahan, harry Cole, Roy Armstrong, and Rick Peyton.
Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to Smithville First Free Will Baptist Church Rebuilding Fund, c/o T. J. Armstrong, 60053 Hadaway Bottom Rd., Smithville, MS 38870.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.