Rosemary Armstrong

Rosemary McCollum Armstrong of Dahlonega, Georgia passed away on June 17, 2025, at Northside Hospital Gwinnett in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Rosemary was born on May 27,1937 in Lineville, Alabama. She was the daughter of the late James and Sara Lou McCollum. Rosemary spent most of her years growing up on a working farm. Her main farm job was feeding the cows and horses. She often spoke of trying to get out of this task due to her reluctance to be around large animals. Her family also owned and operated McCollum's Grocery, a general store and gas station located on the family's property. From the age of 13, Rosemary served as the main storekeeper, a credit to her maturity and sense of responsibility displayed at a young age. She graduated as Salutatorian from Lineville High School in 1954 and went on to earn a home economics degree from Jacksonville State College in 1958. Accustomed to being a straight A student and capable at everything she took a notion to try, she often humorously lamented the one C she earned for sewing a poorly constructed winter coat. Rosemary met Marvin when they were both students at college and they married March 8, 1958. They were married for over 50 years, until his passing. Upon graduation, she worked as a schoolteacher, primarily teaching 4th graders, for over 30 years. She had a knack for explaining material in a way that students could understand, but you did not want to be on the receiving end of her eagle eye. She set high expectations for all of her students and was known to be tough but fair. Rosemary was an avid churchgoer and a member of First Baptist Church of Lithonia. She enjoyed singing in the choir and teaching Sunday School. If the doors of the church were open, she was likely there to participate. She was a prolific reader but her biggest hobby by far was cheering on her favorite teams. She was a huge Alabama fan and many fall Saturdays would find her shouting "Roll Tide" at the television. She also loved the Atlanta Braves and watched or listened to the games religiously throughout the summer. In her later years the activity she enjoyed the most was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She attended their games and events and was by far their biggest fan in all they did. Rosemary is survived by her children, Breck Armstrong and Becky Maldonado, her daughter-in-law, Deborah Armstrong, her grandchildren, Katie (Kyle) Orr, Trevor (Paula) Armstrong and Lucas Maldonado, as well as two great grandchildren, Emmie and Evelyn Orr. Visitation will be held on June 21st at 10 AM, with the funeral service to follow at 11 AM at Scot Ward Funeral Home. Burial for family will follow at Lawnwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Samaritan's Purse or the Alzheimer's Association. Condolences may be submitted online at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Rd., Conyers, GA, 770-483-7216.

Rosemary Armstrong

May 27, 1937 - June 17, 2025