Wilma “Jean” Armstrong, 87, of Durant, Okla., passed away at her home on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. Jean was born to parents Louis and Docie Leach on June 10, 1936, in Cobb, Oklahoma.
Jean graduated from Sherman High School, Sherman, Texas. As a result of a failed marriage at a very young age, Jean navigated most of the 1960s as a single mother, providing for and raising three children with unwavering love and devotion. During that time she encountered and overcame many challenges and obstacles, always prioritizing and doing the right thing for her three children. From her kids’ perspective and many others, Wilma Jean Armstrong ranks among the bravest, strongest women to walk the face of this earth.
In 1968, Jean met the love of her life and her rock, Frank Ray Armstrong. After making sure he was a good man and would embrace her three children as part of the “package deal,” Jean and Frank were married on August 17, 1969 in Sherman, Texas, and became an instant family of five. Jean and Frank provided a stable, loving home for their three children, and shared a mutual passion for them to attend college. They considered their kids’ graduations from Southeastern Oklahoma State University among their greatest accomplishments.
Jean was recognized by all who met her as very smart and talented. She held many jobs of importance throughout her life, including serving as an administrative assistant and trusted confidante to attorneys and judges as well as military, civil service and community leaders. While working full-time, she also actively supported Frank’s multiple business activities, including working part-time in the dry cleaners, laundromats, grocery stores and other businesses and even delivering newspapers. She constantly exhibited a strong work ethic; never complaining and always considering herself blessed.
Jean was known by relatives, friends, and even acquaintances as kind, loving and giving and, much like her husband, she would help anyone in need regardless of her own situation. She very much enjoyed watching over and playing with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; parents Louis and Docie Leach; brothers Norman Leach and Rex Leach; sisters Juanita Hart and Olean Francis and sister-in-law Betty Jean Wells.
Jean is survived by two daughters Gail Armstrong, Durant, and Debbie Speers (husband Steve), Durant; son, Greg Armstrong (wife Melinda), Houston; two brothers-in-law, Charles Armstrong (wife Peggy), Fort Worth, and Rick Armstrong (wife Teri), Durant; as well as grandchildren Staci Allen, Stephanie Wingo, Alexis Armstrong, Tylon Armstrong and Darren Armstrong. Great-grandchildren Chloe Wingo, Bo Wingo, Briar Wingo, Jory Allen, Lily Armstrong, and Logan Armstrong. She was also blessed with and survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation period for family and friends will be held from 6-7 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Gordon Funeral Home, 221 N. Third Ave. in Durant, Oklahoma.
A memorial graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers, Fred Nickles, Honorary, Lee Nickles, Troy Phillips, Tom Jones, Scott Moore, Harold Gordon, Red Lawson and Jeff Jones.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Gordon Funeral Home, 221 N. Third Ave. in Durant.
Phone: (580) 916-9090
www.gordonfh.com