Ellena Marie Armistead, "Sally," passed away peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011, in Jenson Beach, Fla., where she resided for the last three years. She was born Nov. 9, 1931 in Mathews.

Sally is survived by her sister, Betty Fern Hayes and brother-in-law Randolph Hayes, as well as her nephew, Dr. "R. J." Hayes Jr., Lisa his wife, and her niece, Pamela Willman and her husband Dr. Bert Willman Jr. She also leaves her great-nephew, Reid Armistead Hayes, and three great-nieces, Jennison Hayes, Allison and Kelly Willman, all of whom she adored. She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Mary Armistead.

Sally had a distinguished education beginning with being valedictorian in her Mathews High School 1950 class. She received her B.A. degree from Mary Washington College and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Virginia. She continued her pursuit for higher learning at William and Mary College, Christopher Newport College and the Associate Research Center in Newport News, Va. She was a respected educator in the Newport News School System. She taught elementary and high school students and was promoted to Assistant Principal at Warwick High School where she served for 23 years.

Sally visited practically all corners of the earth. Travel was her passion. She visited 49 of 50 states. Sadly, her health failed before she could complete her goal. She retired in 1988 and returned to Mathews to be with her parents and assist them in sustaining an excellent quality of life throughout their aging process. During her years in Mathews, she enjoyed tending to the lovely landscape of her home. She was an active supporter of Mathews Baptist Church as well as the county in general. She enjoyed her membership in the Jamestown Society.

A graveside service will be held at H.C. Smither Memorial Cemetery at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011, preceded by a visitation held at Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, it was Sally’s wish that memorial gifts be made to the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 723, Mathews, Va. 23109.