Elizabeth J Armistead Memorial Scholarship

The Elizabeth Armistead Memorial Scholarship

The Elizabeth “Betty” Jameson Armistead Memorial Scholarship was created by her daughter, Charlotte, to honor the remarkable life and legacy of her mother. Betty’s life was one defined by service, leadership, and advocacy for others.

Born in Boston in 1923, Betty moved to Merritt Island, Florida, as an infant, where she was raised by her mother and grandparents. She graduated from Cocoa High School in 1941 and went on to earn a degree in Medical Technology from the Richmond Professional Institute of the College of William and Mary, serving as her class president. Shortly after graduation, she joined the U.S. Army as a physical therapist, working with injured servicemen after World War II — an experience she often recalled as one of the most rewarding of her life.
Following her military service, Betty married James Armistead and raised two daughters, Kathryn and Charlotte. Despite facing her own health challenges, including a battle with cancer in the 1960s, she demonstrated incredible resilience and determination. During that time, she received the American Cancer Society’s Victory Crusade Award for her record-breaking fundraising efforts.

In addition to her personal strength, Betty was a pioneer for women’s rights in Florida. In 1967, she became the first woman in the state to join the National Organization for Women. Over the next decade, she was appointed to numerous local, state, and national committees, including the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Southeast Regional Manpower Advisory Committee. Through her work, she championed equality and sought to expand opportunities for women in education, employment, and public service.
Outside of her professional and advocacy work, Betty enjoyed a successful career as a financial consultant with Merrill Lynch before retiring in 1990. In her retirement, she embraced her love of bridge, tennis, music, and time with family — especially as a devoted grandmother.
Betty Armistead’s legacy is one of courage, service, and vision. Through this scholarship, her impact continues, offering students the opportunity to pursue their education and dreams just as she worked to open doors for women and future generations.

The Foundation is deeply grateful to Charlotte for honoring her mother’s legacy through this scholarship.