Martha Lee Justice Armstrong

Martha Lee Justice Armstrong

May 18, 1935--June 27,2022

Martha took flight to her eternal home on Monday evening, June 27th at 6:49 pm

at the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House.  She went peacefully surrounded by her loving son David, and family.

She was born in Marion, NC to her mother, Mary Lee Holcombe Justice and Herman McDonald Justice.  She was number 11 of their 12 children.

She was preceded in death by her husband Norman Marshall, daughter Catherine Jean, and sibling’s; Blanche, Franklin, Ruby, Georgie, Margie, Joe, Sophie, Sally, Lib, and Herman.

She is survived by her sister Nina Jean Bailey, sons Norman (Donna); David (Janice); Ronald and grandchildren: Gwen, Tommy, Courtney, Justin, Marie, Leighann, Judy, Lauren, and Alex. Martha also had 15 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Martha had a full life of adventures, she moved to Miami, Fla at age 14, and met the love of her life, and future husband Norman in High School. They married in September 1952, just before his deployment during the Korean conflict.

Martha held down many jobs to help support the family which included a Bell Telephone switch board operator, medical assistant and bookkeeper for several doctor’s offices, and at   Tandy/Radio Shack, and K-Mart.

She and Husband Norman moved to Fort Worth, Texas when he obtained his dream job working at Carswell AF Base for General Dynamics in his field of study in aeronautical design. That is where mom and dad found a home together working alongside each other on a separate adventure in the Civil Air Patrol.  She quickly took to task of organizing search and rescue operations in the SW region of Texas.  The squadron grew in numbers with her drive and enthusiasm to assist in the location and recovery of downed aircraft.

During these missions and training opportunities the group began to take notice and plot illegal runways and off-road connections used by smugglers in the mid 80’s.  Her diligence in reporting these to the DEA and US Customs agencies earned the group Special recognition by President George H.W. Bush.   Mom rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel, one of her greatest joys was to fly.

I would like to say a special thank you to the caring staff of Hospice and Community Care facility of Rock Hill, SC which includes Missie Wooten, Gabrielle Martin, Leighann Livingston, and nurses Becky and Margaret.

Special love to Kali Howard (Visiting Angels) that loved mom as her own grandmother and for her loving kindness, much laughter and for taking care of mom’s “Sophie-Kali” doll.

To Courtney for helping with the care and love of her Granny.  And, especially to Janice for her tireless dedication, love, and care she provided to mom during those many hours alone everyday with mom.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Martha Armstrong to the Hospice & Community Care of Rock Hil, SC.

A casual gathering to celebrate the life of Martha will be held at the Chapel on the campus of The Hospice & Community Care of Rock Hill; 2275 India Hook Rd. Rock Hill, SC 29732

On Thursday July 14 at 11:00 am.