Lucy McKaughan Armstrong

Mrs. Lucy McKaughan Armstrong, 96, of Wilkes County, NC, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024, in Auburn, Alabama. Lucy was born on August 2, 1927, to the late Avery Pearl and Martha Jones McKaughan, in Forsyth County, NC.

She graduated from Sedge Garden High School in the class of 1945 before going on to business college to obtain an education in communications. Lucy met Charles Armstrong after WWII, and they were married on February 25, 1949. They spent the first part of their marriage in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and then transferred to Atlanta, Georgia, in 1968. In 1987, when Lucy retired from her career at Western Electric (AT&T,) Lucy and Charles moved to the Armstrong farm on Yadkin River in Jonesville (Wilkes County). Although, she would never fully retire from helping others. She went on to manage a group home in Elkin, NC, helping disabled adults tutoring special needs children, and would do so up until her 90s. She served as a mentor to many encouraging them to set high goals and to reach them.

Lucy enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren in North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. “Nana” loved watching her great-grandchildren play in the yard at her farm. The children enjoyed hearing stories of her childhood growing up on the family tobacco farm. Nana enjoyed reading them books. going to recitals, attending ballgames, playing cards & games, and, even teaching them “flatfoot dancin’.” She delighted being with her beloved pets, including her cat, Mister, and her dogs, Zola, Andy, Arlo, and Lilly. She was known for her quick sense of humor and her sharp mind until her last day of life. Lucy was often described as remarkable and resilient. She also enjoyed painting, stenciling, restoring old houses, and watching butterflies in her flowers and feeders. Lucy was an avid Atlanta Braves fan and watched them up until the day before she passed away.

In addition to her parents, Lucy was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Charles L. Armstrong; her twin brother, Richard McKaughn; brothers, Toby, and Roland McKaughn; and sisters, Myrtle Perry and Reba Adams. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Merry (Stephen) Lowe; son, James “Jim” (Shaliah) Armstrong; three grandchildren, Adam (Mecca) Lowe, Jami Armstrong (Darren) May, Sarah Armstrong; and seven great-grandchildren, Silas Lowe, Avery Lowe, James Darren May, Lila May, Charles Atticus May, Ruby May, Luke Armstrong Carroll. In addition, survivors include many nieces, nephews, and friends, as well as Stephanie Lowe Towe, her step granddaughter, along with her three children, Hannah, Matthew and Ila Grace. She also made several new friends while at Monarch Estates in Auburn that made her life fun while in Alabama.

Lucy was the last of her generation for her surviving nieces and nephews. She filled the role of grandmother and was the head matriarch for descendants of Mattie and Pearl McKaughan. Several of the nephews traveled frequently to see her and were always available to be by her side. This includes trips to Alabama during the last year of her life. A niece came to the farm to visit at least once a year and spent considerable amount of time with “Aunt Lucy.” Even a great-niece spent extra time with her and adopted Lucy’s dog to care for the last year of her life. Lucy had a special relationship with her caregivers, Kathy, Amy, and Quilla; and her granddaughter, Sarah.

Lucy loved her church family at Yadkinville Church of Christ. She appreciated that church members were always thinking of her, such as providing her meals throughout the pandemic. The Back Yard Church welcomed her to their fellowship upon her move to Alabama in July of 2023 where she was treated as family.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 7, 2027, at 3:00PM, at Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel with Thomas Willard officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A private family burial will take place in the Saints Delight Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her late husband, Charles L. Armstrong.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Yadkinville Church of Christ, 617 W Main St. Yadkinville, NC 27055 or through the church Paypal account, https://. www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/P77TD57ABUVJC Note/memo; For LUCY, Auburn Backyard Church, https://backyardchurch.org/online-giving/, or to the Saints Delight Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 270 Motsinger Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27107.

Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel is assisting the Armstrong family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.