By Staff
Helen Armstrong: ‘Walking Woman’
By MaryClaire Foster
(This week The Atmore Advance visited with 81-year-old Helen Armstrong at her home.)
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born in Garland on Nov. 6, 1927.
Q: Who were your parents?
A: Henry L. Carter and Hattie Belle Stallworth Carter. They farmed for a living.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: I have five sisters and two brothers.
Q: Where did you attend school?
A: I attended school in Garland and as soon as I graduated I moved to Michigan.
Q: Why did you move to Michigan?
A: I didn’t want to stay on the farm, and I had family there, so I asked them if I could come up there with them.
Q: Have you done a lot of traveling?
A: No, just some. I used to take my kids to New York City to visit my sister there, and I’ve been to Niagara Falls twice.
Q: Where did you work?
A: I did some domestic work before I was married, and after that, my husband supported me.
Q: Where have you lived?
A: I’ve only lived in Alabama and Detroit, Mich.
Q: Why did you move to this area?
A: My mom had family here originally and my brother moved here. I’ve been here since 1995.
Q: Did you ever marry? If so, what is your spouse’s name?
A: Yes. My husband was Alex Anthony Armstrong.
Q: How did you and your spouse meet?
A: A girlfriend set us up.
Q: Do you have any children?
A: I have two sons, Roderick Keith Armstrong and Danny Anthony Armstrong.
Q: Do you have any grandchildren?
A: I have one grandson, Roderick.
Q:Where do you attend church?
A: I go to the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Q: What keeps you busy these days?
A: I like to read and walk. I read Christian books and of course the Bible, that’s the main thing. I walk everywhere though. People here know me as the “Walking Woman.”
Q: What do you like to watch on television?
A: I always watch the news, Channel Five is my favorite, and I watch religious programs.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A:I like all fruits and vegetables. I’m mostly a vegetarian now.
Q: What is the most important thing in your life now?
A: Living a clean, Christian life is most important. When the Lord comes I want to be in Heaven.
Q. What was one of the happiest times in your life?
A: In 1964 when I became a Seventh Day Adventist and learned God’s word and what it is to be saved.
Q: What advice would you give people on living a long life?
A: Don’t drink or smoke. Live the way the Bible teaches you. Eat healthy.
(If you would like to recommend a senior to be spotlighted please contact the Atmore Advance at 368-2123 or e-mail us at newsroom@atmoreadvance. com)