08/18/11 - NNHS Newsletter

August 18, 2011

Dear Friends and Schoolmates, We have very sad news this Thursday. Former Newport News High School teacher

Miss Ellena Armistead (known as "Sally" to her friends) passed away in Jenson Beach, Florida on Tuesday, Thursday, August 16, 2011, at the age of 79.

MATHEWS - Ellena Marie Armistead, 'Sally', passed away peacefully Tuesday, Aug.16, 2011 in Jenson Beach, Fla., where she resided for the last three years. She was born November 9, 1931 in Mathews.

Sally is survived by her sister, Betty Fern Hayes and brother-in-law Randolph Hayes, as well as her nephew Dr. 'R. J.' Hayes Jr., his wife Lisa, and her niece Pamela Willman and her husband, Dr. Bert Willman Jr. She also leaves her great-nephew Reid Armistead Hayes, and three great-nieces; Jennison Hayes, Allison and Kelly Willman, all of whom she adored. She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Mary Armistead.

Miss Armistead

Sally had a distinguished education beginning with being valedictorian of her Mathews High School 1950 class. She received her B.A. degree from Mary Washington College and a masters degree in education from the University of Virginia. She continued her pursuit of higher learning at William and Mary College, Christopher Newport College and the Associate Research Center in Newport News. She was a respected educator in the Newport News School System. She taught elementary and high school students and was promoted to Assistant Principal at Warwick High School where she served for 23 years.
Sally visited practically all corners of the earth. Travel was her passion. She visited 49 of 50 states. Sadly, her health failed before she could complete her goal. She retired in 1988 and returned to Mathews to be with her parents and assist them in sustaining an excellent quality of life throughout their aging process. During her years in Mathews, she enjoyed tending to the lovely landscape of her home. She was an active supporter of Mathews Baptist Church as well as the county in general. She enjoyed her membership in the Jamestown Society.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011, at H.C. Smither Memorial Cemetery preceded by a visitation held at Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, it was Sally's wish that memorial gifts be made to the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 723, Mathews, VA 23109. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

Published in Daily Press from August 18 to August 19, 2011. Visit Guest Book

We just loved "Miss Sally"; she was a wonderful person. Her love of Christ showed in all she did, from taking care of her parents, to working and caring for the beautiful yard she created. Her generous spirit showed in all the people's lives she touched. She will be deeply missed.

~ David, Joan And Wesley Miller, Cobbs Creek, Virginia

August 18, 2011

Sally was a delightful lady who took such pleasure in God, family, children, flowers and chocolate! It was my sincere honor to assist in caring for Sally...she will be a decided asset to Gods angels.

~ Sandra Samartine, Palm City, Florida

August 19, 2011

Sally-W.H.S. Asst. Principal-a positive asset to all. Her smile, professional humanistic approach with love and care- were always evident.

August 20, 2011

I had the pleasure of having Ms. Armistead in the 8th grade at Newport News High School. I can remember to this day that she was my favorite teacher and wish that I could have had her for more classes. I have retired now and live between Virginia & Stuart, Fl which is so very close to Jensen Beach where she was living.

~ Donna Chadwell Nunemaker

August 22, 2011

Sally was a wonderful colleague who left us much too soon.

~ Roena McJunkin, Newport News, Virginia

August 23, 2011

Our deepest sympathies are extended to Miss Armistead's family, friends, and former students at this difficult time.

Y'all take good care of each other! TYPHOONS FOREVER! We'll Always Have Buckroe!

Carol Buckley Harty
7020 Lure Court
Fayetteville, NC 28311-9309
915-780-3048

Lead, Kindly Light

Lyrics by John Henry Newman, 1833
Music by John B. Dykes, 1865

Lead, kindly Light, amid th’encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home;
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou
Shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now
Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years!

So long Thy power hath blessed me, sure it will,
Will lead me on.
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone,
And with the morn those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!

Meantime, along the narrow rugged path,
Thyself hast trod,
Lead, Savior, lead me home in childlike faith,
Home to my God.
To rest forever after earthly strife
In the calm light of everlasting life.