ARMSTRONG Mary Jane Armstrong, 86, of Jacksonville, Florida, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on January 13, 2012, after a long illness. She was born in Marshall, Texas, on March 24, 1925, the daughter of Dr. William Hobert Rickles and Mary Christine Rickles. She grew up in Marshall, Texas, with her parents and her brother, William Hobert Rickles, Jr. Beginning at an early age, Mary Jane's talents as a singer and pianist were recognized. She attended Christian College in Columbia, Missouri, and obtained a bachelor's degree in music from Southern Methodist University in 1944. Mary Jane married her high school sweetheart, Samuel Thomas Armstrong, Jr., in 1945. They recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. As the wife of a Navy officer, Mary Jane lived in a number of cities. With each move she would enthusiastically share her musical talents, assisting in musical programs and church choirs at each new home. Mary Jane's musical contributions included serving as a soloist and choir member with church and community music programs, singing in the local Opera, and playing the piano and organ for various music programs. After her husband had heart surgery, Mary Jane's accomplishments continued to grow when she began a new career as a food editor. As she was trying to help her husband change to a healthier diet, Mary Jane discovered that there was a scarcity of low cholesterol recipes. When she brought this problem to the attention of the food editor for the Jacksonville Times Union, the food editor asked if Mary Jane would like to try her hand at writing a food column. Never one to back away from a challenge, Mary Jane began writing her Healthy Heart newspaper column, in which she shared recipes she had created or modified for low cholesterol diets. Her column, which she wrote over a period of fourteen years, became syndicated and was carried by a number of newspapers. Mary Jane continued to be involved with church choirs, and, after moving to Jacksonville in 1976, she sang in the choirs at Grace Episcopal Church and at San Jose Episcopal Church. Mary Jane is survived by her husband of 66 years, Captain Samuel T. Armstrong, USN (Ret), her daughter, Mary Karen Frey (Fred), her son, Samuel David Armstrong (Jody), her six grandchildren, Samuel Gregory Frey (Haley), John Daniel Frey, Stian Arneson Armstrong, Jennifer Claire Armstrong, Rebecca Leigh Armstrong, and Samuel David Armstrong, Jr., her brother, Dr. William Hobert Rickles, Jr., and cousins, niece, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, William Thomas Armstrong, PhD. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at San Jose Episcopal Church, 7423 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida, 32217. Her burial will be in Marshall, Texas, on a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the San Jose Episcopal Church music fund, or to the Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. HARDAGE-GIDDENS OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Mark and Stacy enjoyed seeing Mary Jane in church. SHe was an inspiration for all.
Stacy Kowlsen
January 25, 2012
Mary Jane Armstrong is the most amazing and loving person I have ever known. I am the luckiest grandaughter in the world.
Jennifer Armstrong
January 18, 2012
I had the pleasure of getting to know and working with Mary Jane at the Times-Union. She was a great person. I'll miss her.
Scott Simpson
January 17, 2012
Sammy, Sending you our love!
The Hollis Family
Traci Hollis
January 16, 2012
We feel so very fortunate to have known Mary Jane. She was a beautiful, gracious friend, and we are so very sorry for your loss. May God truly Bless your family.
Love, Ron and Beverly Foster
Ron and Beverly Foster
January 16, 2012
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Funeral services provided by:
Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel - Jacksonville4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more