Helen Virginia Armstrong, 82, of Clanton and Birmingham died on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, following a stroke in February 2012.

She was the eldest daughter of James Cleo and Ruby Armstrong of Birmingham and Cargile Creek on Lake Mitchell in Chilton County.

Virginia earned her private pilot’s license at age 22.

She attended nursing school and college in Birmingham, followed by a career in the U.S. Air Force. She was stationed in Sacramento, San Antonio, Japan, the Philippines and Maxwell AFB and served one tour during the Vietnam War, medevacking wounded soldiers.

She retired as a lieutenant colonel and moved to Chilton County, where she taught medical classes at the local vocational school, coordinated local blood drives, was head of the volunteer gardeners at Peach Park for many years and volunteered at the Clanton Library repairing books (a self-taught skill).

She especially loved books, plants, dogs and cats.

Virginia Armstrong will be cremated.

Arrangements were handled by Martin Funeral Home in Clanton.

No public service will be held. The family encourages those who wish to express appreciation for her service to her country and her community to volunteer and to give in support of worthy causes as she did her whole life long.

Martin Funeral Home directing.

www.martinfuneralhomeinc.com