Vickie Lee Armstrong, deeply loved by family, friends, and former students, passed away at her home in Sanger, Texas, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. She was born in Dallas, Texas, on February 9, 1949, to Anston Cordell Amberson and Annie Genece Blacketer Amberson. She was preceded in death by her parents Cordell and Genece, beloved Uncle A.F. and Aunt Mary Peacock, sister Carol Ann Edwards, and niece Jacqueline Carol Edwards.

Vickie grew up in Dallas and attended Sunset High School. She often said that she was particularly blessed to have family time with her parents, nearby Aunt and Uncle Peacock, and in visiting with a multitude of aunts, uncles and cousins at yearly family reunions.

In her youth she volunteered as a camp counselor and quickly discovered a passionate desire to work with special needs children. This inspired her to attend East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas, to learn how best to follow her chosen calling. At ETSU she met her husband Robert "Bob" Douglas Armstrong, Jr., and they married in 1970 while completing their bachelor's degrees. Soon after, she focused on earning her Master's degree in Special Education to sharpen her skills to help special needs kids.

She began her teaching career for Richardson (Texas) Independent School District, later moving to Chamblee, Georgia, for Bob's job transfer with the Frito Lay Corp. Vickie continued on her path of teaching and guiding young people. The couple lived in Georgia for two years with their favorite dogs Sugar and Max and became close to their friends Bill and Jackie Robards and their daughters Carolyn, Sharon, and Debbie.

Vickie and Bob returned to Texas and bought a home in Carrollton. They were blessed with a son, Everett, in 1979, and were happy to be close to both sets of grandparents. Luck would have it that a few years later Bill and Jackie were transferred to Dallas as well, and they all ended up living in the same neighborhood. The Robards clan remain true friends who are considered family.

Vickie returned to Richardson ISD and devoted 43 years of dedicated service at Spring Creek, Hamilton Park Magnet School, Dover, and Brentfield elementaries. She had a patient, dedicated, kind spirit and was able to teach and change the lives of the severely disabled and challenged children in her classrooms.

In retirement, Vickie moved to Sanger, Texas, to live near her son, Everett, and his wife Sara. She joyously welcomed the births of grandchildren Sophia, Ella, and Rett. Vickie was a proud Mimi and loved keeping up with all of her grandkids activities and shenanigans.

Vickie joined St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Denton and was a believer in Jesus Christ. She served as a deacon and faithfully participated in her prayer team and Presbyterian Women as long as she was able.  Her many other activities included gardening, nurturing indoor plants, reading, doing puzzles and collecting cookbooks. Plus, she enjoyed spending time just "exploring" with friends. Vickie/Mimi will be greatly missed but forever loved by her family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Everett L. Armstrong and wife Sara Davis Armstrong; and grandchildren Sophia Elizabeth, Eleanor Grace, and Everett Cordell Armstrong.

A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 2 p.m. with a reception following. Cremains will be interred at a later date. The family asks for consideration of charitable donations to World Vision International (www.worldvision.org). Vickie and her sister Carol, were both long time supporters and enjoyed being connected and sponsoring a child in need.