Patricia Ernesteen Hellums Armstrong, 91, passed away September 22, 2025 at Generations of Red Bay. She was born in Belmont, MS to Wallace E. Hellums and Arba Moore Hellums. Ernesteen was a lifelong resident of Red Bay and was retired from Piggly Wiggly where she worked in the deli. She was a member of First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. She loved Jesus Christ and knew Him as her Savior and Friend. Jesus gave her strength and guidance to raise three children after her husband passed away in 1968, leaving her a widow at age 34. After his passing, if something needed to be fixed, she did it and taught her children how. She instilled in her children the Bible, took them to church and taught them the value in having a strong work ethic. The family rests in the hope we have in salvation through faith in Jesus.
Graveside services will be Tuesday, September 23, 11 a.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Red Bay, AL with Bro. Bill Harper officiating Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL will be in charge of arrangements.
She is survived by her children, Thomas (Carol) Armstrong, Denise (Vollie) Pierce and Anita (Jeff) Clark; granddaughters, Kim Norton, Karie (Terry) Hardin, Kristi (Shane) Bagwell, Amy Bevis and Mallory (John) Gordon; great-grandchildren, Aaron, Allison (Trey), Michael, Caroline, TJ, Dylan, Justin, Tyler and Eva; two great-great-grandchildren, Skip and JT; brother, Wally (Sandra) Hellums and sister-in-law, Bernell (James) Francis and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Armstrong; great-granddaughter, Kristyn Madelyn Gordon, grandson-in-law, Jim Norton, parents, a sister and two brothers.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the ministry of His Hands and Feet of First Baptist Church, Red Bay. They “blessed” her richly these past years and also the Gideons International group. Her Bible was precious to her.
