Emma L. Armstrong

Born: 8/25/1914 Died: 1/14/2012 Mrs. Emma L. Armstrong, age 97, of the Methodist Country House in Wilmington, DE, passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at her residence. Mrs. Armstrong was born in Millsboro, DE, on August 25, 1914, daughter of the late Samuel T. Layton and Sarah Hudson. A talented hairstylist, she owned and operated her own concierge beautician service for many years, caring for private clients in their homes and in healthcare facilities. A devout Christian throughout her life, Mrs. Armstrong had been a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church since 1969. She was active in the Bible Study Group and the Women’s Group and also assisted with a variety of church bazaars, fundraisers, and other goodwill ministries, including Meals on Wheels. She was a former member of Asbury United Methodist Church from 1951 to 1969. In earlier years, Mrs. Armstrong greatly enjoyed traveling and was pleased to have made trips to all 50 states. She especially enjoyed beach vacations in Delaware, New Jersey, and North Carolina. Her happiest times were spent in the company of her beloved family and her many good friends. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Armstrong was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles W. Mace, Jr., in 1964, by her second husband, Ralph W. Armstrong, in 1983, and by four sisters and two brothers. She is survived by her son, Pete W. Mace (Sarah) of Lafayette, LA; daughter, Susan M. Epp (Steve) of Chadds Ford, PA; stepsons, Dwayne R. Armstrong of Newark, DE, Tim Armstrong (Lois) of New Castle, DE, Ralph W. “Nick” Armstrong, Jr. (Diann) of West Chester, PA, and Dan T. Amstrong (Bonnie) of Wilmington, DE; 14 grandchildren; and 23 great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, January 19, 2012, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 1700 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19804, where visitation will begin at 10 am. Entombment will be in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. A reception will follow at the church. A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Methodist Country House. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mrs. Armstrong may be made to St. Mark’s U.M. Church at the address above or to the Methodist Country House, 4830 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807.