Ethel Mae Armstrong

With hearts full of love and gratitude, the family of Ethel Mae Armstrong celebrates the life of an extraordinary woman who touched everyone she met with her kindness, faith, and radiant smile. She was born on April 9, 1949, in Wellington, Texas, to Herbert Gills and Sally Gibbs, and peacefully passed away on November 9, 2025, at her home in Altus, Oklahoma, surrounded by her beloved family.
Raised and educated in Wellington, Ethel grew up as a devoted member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, where her lifelong faith was nurtured. In 1964, on her parents' front porch in Wellington, she married the love of her life, John Wesley Armstrong. Theirs was a classic small-town love story built on friendship, faith, and enduring devotion.
Together, they were blessed with six children: Jethro Glenn Armstrong, John Wesley Armstrong Jr., Silvia Renea Armstrong, Dianna Denice Armstrong, Tracey Marie Armstrong, and Fran Idell Armstrong. Family was her greatest joy, and she poured her heart into being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Her caring spirit guided her into her life's calling. In 1971, Ethel began working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at a nursing home in Wellington. After moving to Altus in 1984, she joined the staff at English Village Manor, where she faithfully cared for residents until her retirement in 2015. Even after suffering a head injury and being diagnosed with diabetes, she refused to give up. She courageously learned to walk again and even tried to return to the work she loved. Caring for others wasn't just her profession it was her purpose.
A proud and faithful member of St. John the Baptist Church, Ethel's light continued to shine brightly through her faith and service. Known lovingly by many as "Smiley," she was the kind of woman who met every day and every person with a smile, no matter what challenges she faced. Her beauty, strength, determination, and warmth inspired everyone around her. She was hardworking, uplifting, and endlessly kind-a true reflection of grace and perseverance.
She was preceded in death by her father, mother, and her beloved husband, John Wesley Armstrong
Ethel leaves behind a legacy of love that will forever live on in her family:
Her children, John Wesley Armstrong Jr. and wife Taveka, Tracey Jenkins and husband Brodrick, and Fran Adele Armstrong; also surviving Ethel are her beloved twenty grand children and a host of great-grandchildren, extended family members, church family, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.
Her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her to love harder, smile brighter, and never give up.
A memorial service honoring the Life of Ethel Armstrong will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 15, 2025 at St John's Baptist Church, Altus, Oklahoma.
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.