Jacqueline June Ray Armstrong

jacqueline armstrong

“Jackie June” or “June” Born in Atlanta, Georgia on June 20, 1928, Jackie grew up in the Opelika, Alabama and Columbus, Georgia area. She went peacefully to heaven shortly after midnight on June 2, 2026.

Jackie was predeceased in May 1994 by the love of her life, her husband Col. John (“Jack”) Winthrop Armstrong, West Point Class of January 1943. She was also predeceased by her parents, Claude and Stella Ray, her infant sister Amelia Annette Ray, her sister Erna Edwina Scott, and many dear friends who went before her.

Jackie and Jack were married on May 7, 1953, at the post chapel at Fort Benning, Georgia. Together they began a long series of military assignments that took them to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Fort Lewis, Washington; Vietnam (1955 hardship tour); West Point, New York; Carlisle, Pennsylvania; Athens, Greece; Fort Benning again; the Pentagon; Vietnam (1968–69); Heidelberg , Germany; and finally back to the Pentagon, where Jack retired in 1974. Jackie volunteered throughout these years in many service roles such as Gray Lady, Candy Striper, and in many others.

Jackie was the matriarch of the Armstrong family and lovingly supported each of her children and their families. She believed in high standards and wasn’t afraid to give tough love when it was needed, always rooted in her deep desire to see each one thrive. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. She is survived by her three children: Susan Joy Armstrong, John (Jack) Winthrop Armstrong II and his wife Mary Beth, Stuart Clegg Armstrong and his wife Kathy.  She is also survived by six grandchildren — Sasha Nicholas Armstrong, Leah Michelle Armstrong, Adam Nash Spruill, Desiree Nicole Armstrong, Jacqueline Brianne Armstrong, and John Winthrop Armstrong III — along with nine great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren, her two brothers Harold Herndon Ray and Gerald Gordon Ray, and many nieces, nephews, and extended Ray family relatives.

Jackie was a long time member of the McLean Women’s Club, and both she and Jack were active members of the 9th Infantry Division Association, Jack’s WWII unit. They participated enthusiastically in many 9th Infantry projects and attended annual reunions across the United States.

Academically, Jackie was always an A student, driven, disciplined, and determined to excel. Personally, she was energized by people — she loved to socialize, dance, celebrate, and bring joy into any room she entered. Her warmth, humor, and natural sparkle made her unforgettable.

Professionally, Jackie enjoyed an extraordinarily successful 50 plus year career in real estate. She began with Routh Robbins Real Estate in Springfield, Virginia, later worked with Cardinal Forest, and spent many years with the Coldwell Banker Vienna office. She was a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Sales Club, a Certified Residential Specialist, Broker, and Associate Broker.

She was also a long time member of the Annandale Rotary Club, serving in various offices and supporting Rotary’s mission with dedication.
Jackie possessed great strength, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in everything she pursued. She was a loyal friend, a profound patriot, and a devout Episcopalian.

In her final two weeks, Jackie was surrounded by extraordinary caregivers who provided round the clock support. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Pat and Rebecca, whose loving and attentive care brought comfort and peace to Jackie and to all of us during her final days. They are truly angels on earth.
Loved beyond measure, missed beyond words. May she rest in God’s eternal peace.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Money & King Funeral Home in Vienna, Virginia, on what would have been her 98th birthday. Family and friends are invited for a 10:00 AM reception, with Services at 11:00 AM.

Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will follow at a later date.

Broadcast Date:

Money & King Broadcast

Services

Visitation: June 20, 2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Money and King Funeral Home
171 Maple Ave. W
Vienna, VA 22180

703-938-7440

Celebration of Life: June 20, 2026 11:00 am

Money and King Funeral Home
171 Maple Ave. W
Vienna, VA 22180

703-938-7440

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery at a later date
1 Memorial Drive
Arlington , VA 22211


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  1. The Owners and Staff at the Money and King Funeral Home, wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable. Please feel free to call us anytime as we are always available to you.

    Bob Gallagher
    Funeral Director

    • Thank you for all your condolences and assisting our family in navigating Mom’s Celebration of a life well-lived!
      Sue A.

  2. What memorable woman; so much so that as technically my great aunt in a very large family, she always stood out to me the most with her warmth and sparkling wit. She was always one of my favorites to see and talk to at Reckmeyer family gatherings. I loved the way she talked about her Jack whenever she could, and supported everyone around her, but especially my grandmother Betty Lou Reckmeyer, (Jack’s sister), and grandfather William Reckmeyer — especially in the years after Betty Lou’s passing. What a life she lead, with a vibrancy and energy I admire (and maybe envy a little)! I have thought of her often in these years when I haven’t seen her in person, since the passing of her brother in law William Reckmeyer. That’s how much of an impact she made. Sending all my regards to her loved ones. She’s laughing and dancing on the other side now with her beloved Jack, and all her many friends.

  3. Sue and family,
    Sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. May you find peace knowing that she is reunited with your father in heaven.
    Our mothers were neighbors on the same floor at the R. Best wishes to you and yours.

  4. Heartfelt conndolences for Sue, Jack and Stu.
    Aunt Jackie was a remarkable woman and will be missed!


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