Belva Gene Armstrong

Belva Gene Armstrong, 93, of Flour Bluff, TX, passed away on December 5, 2021. Belva was born on May 5, 1928, to Mr. and Mrs. Dominick (Annie M. Blaschke) Verban of Ingleside, TX. Belva graduated as class valedictorian from Ingleside High School, where she was a swimming star, a drum majorette and spirited member of the marching band. After graduation, Belva earned a full scholarship to attend the University of Texas-Austin to study another passion of hers, music (piano). During her time at UT-Austin, Belva was also awarded the State of Texas Tennis Doubles Champion.

While working in Mobile, AL at the Employment Office, Belva met the love of her life, William (Bill) Morrison Armstrong Jr. Belva was quick to put him to work as a temporary mail carrier.  Belva and Bill were united in marriage on February 7, 1948, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Corpus Christi, TX. Together for 71 years, they explored the world, including, Guam, the Philippine Islands, and Hawaii, before settling down in Texas. They went on to have four children (James, Denise, Rene, and Marie).

A proud Texan and maverick, Belva (AKA “Boots”) took great pride in her work as a Procurement Officer at Naval Hospital-Corpus Christi. Belva poured her heart and soul into her work. She was viewed as a strong and supportive leader. She was particularly admired and respected for her willingness to help others. Her kindness and positive interactions she had with all those she encountered (professionally and personally) had a profound impact on many lives. Never short on words, Belva would also give her opinion without apology, but no matter what was said, she was always open and embraced those she conversed with, including family, friends, and strangers alike. Indeed, she defined what it means to be a “friendly Texan”.

Belva could often be spotted racing down Waldron Drive in her Volkswagen Beetle, going back and forth, to and from the Naval Hospital, HEB, St. Paul’s Catholic Church and home. In truth, the Catholic Church was her second home. Belva spent her entire lifetime loving and serving the Lord in numerous ways, including church organist, works of mercy, and prayer warrior. Her joy was contagious, and she was always more than happy to share her love of the Lord with others. Her faithfulness and dedication to the teachings of the Catholic faith were exemplified through her commitment to live the life of a Third-Order Franciscan, being professed on February 4, 1962 at the Corpus Christi Cathedral. She is surely singing with the angels of heaven today.

Belva’s name reached far and wide in the community, but home is where she truly shined. She understood the importance of family and loved spending time with them. She fought for, loved, and protected her family with all her might. Belva clearly inspired and helped shape the lives of all her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She is survived by her son, James Armstrong of Los Angeles, CA; three daughters, Denise Hamilton of Houston, Rene Seevers (Dr. Randy Seevers) of El Lago, Marie Armstrong of Flour Bluff; five grandchildren, Dr. Matthew Hamilton (Dr. Jeletta Hamilton) of Manhattan, NY, Nathan Hamilton (Komal “Koko” Bhakta)) of Houston, Thomas Hamilton (Ashley Hamilton) of Houston, Dr. Jeffrey Seevers of Lancaster, PA, William Seevers (Kristina Hogan) of Great Falls, MT; five great-grandchildren, Elijah, Finnegan, Magnolia (Maggie), Milla, and Adrian; one sister, Yvonne Trant of Helotes; and one niece, Sherry Holladay of Helotes. Belva was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Armstrong (February 28, 2019); brother-in-law, Keith Trant (July 10, 2021); grandson, Remy Armstrong; and beloved fur babies, White Arrow, Lady, Misty, Cutie, Red, Paco, Bruiser, and Blue.

Services will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2233 Waldron Rd. Corpus Christi, Texas 78418, 361-937-3864 on December 18, 2021, beginning with the Holy Rosary at 12:00 PM followed by the Memorial Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Veteran Charities and St. Jude’s Hospital.

At the family’s request, Memorial Gifts in remembrance of Belva Armstrong can be made to National Centre for Padre Pio, P.O. Box 206 Barto, PA 19504, 610-845-3000; padrepio.org.