Betty Lou Fults Armstrong, born March 7, 1941, in Manchester, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, in Madison, Alabama.

Betty was a graduate of Grundy County High School and went on to earn her Bachelor's degree from Middle Tennessee State University and her Master's degree from Indiana University. She dedicated her career to education, teaching elementary school in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 37 years. Over the course of her career, she touched the lives of hundreds—if not thousands—of children, and her influence will be felt for generations.

Betty's love for children was only matched by her deep and abiding love for animals. She cared for countless pets and creatures throughout her life, always offering patience, compassion, and a safe home.

She was known for her quick wit and her honesty—you never had to wonder where you stood with Betty. Fearless and fiercely independent, she left her small-town Tennessee roots as a young college graduate to build a life in Miami, where she lived for most of her adult years before moving to Madison, Alabama, in recent years to be closer to family.

Though she never cared much for her middle name, Lou, she was known by many names to those who loved her. Family affectionately called her "Beet," friends and colleagues knew her as Betty, and special family friends knew her as "Joy"—a name that reflected the happiness she brought into their lives.

In retirement, Betty enjoyed keeping her mind sharp through games—especially Bingo—and was always ready for an adventure or a trip somewhere new. She lived life on her own terms, with strength, humor, and unwavering independence.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore Armstrong; her mother, Willie Mae Fults; her father, Malcolm Fults; her twin sister, Bonnie Sue Fults Rieben; and her brother, Robert Fults.

She is survived by her loving nieces, Serena Butler (Chris) and Celeste Wolfe (Dennis); her great-nephews, Ethan Wolfe (Jenny) and J.D. Butler; her great-nieces, Emilee Wolfe-O'Donnell (Sean), Meadow Sluder, and Macy Sluder; her great-great-nieces, Natalie Wolfe and Melanie Wolfe; and special family friends Sandra, Lance, Grant, and Haley Harrison, and Steven Fujarcyk.

Betty will be remembered for her sharp mind, strong spirit, and the deep love she showed to her family, her students, and the animals she cherished.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to Best Friends Animal Society (www.bestfriends.org), honoring her lifelong love of animals.