John (Bootsie) Armstrong was born December 3, 1924 to the late Robert and Anna (Johnson) Armstrong. He made his transition from earth to heaven on Friday September 27, 2013 at Toledo Hospital. He was 88 years old.

At an early age, he accepted Christ and joined the Bethlehem Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. Z. L. Jones. Later in life he joined Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church. He recently returned to Bethlehem Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Derrick Arnold and stated that he was coming back home. He loved attending Sunday school.

He was educated through the Toledo Public School System graduating from Waite High School. He excelled in sports.

After high school he served his country in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged.

He retired from the Refuse Department of the City of Toledo after 36 years.

He married Lillie Madden (deceased) and to this union two children was born: John Jr. (deceased) and Brevely.

He later married the former Brenda Price, who preceded him in death August, 2006.

John was inducted into the Waite High Football Hall of Fame. He was proud of this award. He made many trips to Columbus, Ohio with his brothers and friends to support Toledo schools at the play off games. He was an avid bowler, traveling to many cities with his team. Serving as a coach for a girl’s softball team, he helped his team win championship games. He attended the J Frank Troy Senior Center were he was a member of the Booster Club. He especially enjoyed family dinners and cookouts.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories a loving daughter, Brevely Armstrong, Ellenwood, Georgia; Granddaughers, Teresa (George) Ingram-Jackson, Ellenwood, Georgia and Chevella Mitchell, Toledo, Ohio; Step-daughter, Shelly (Rev. Michael) Coleman, Toledo, Ohio; Sisters, Marie Mickels, Toledo, Ohio and Gladys Armstrong- Blanton, Toledo, Ohio; Sisters-in-law, Mary Armstrong, Hazel Armstrong, Lynn Taylor; 6 great-grand children and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna (Johnson) and Robert Armstrong; his brothers; Edward, Robert, Carl and Fred Armstrong; his sisters, Margaret Thompson and Louise Mickles of Toledo, Ohio, and his granddaughter, Vanesa Ingram, of Atlanta, Georgia.


Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2013, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, at The House of Day Funeral Service,
Funeral services will be held at 11:00am, Thursday, October 3, 2013, preceded by a 10:00am Wake at the Bethlehem Baptist Church, 1430 West Bancroft. The Reverend Derrick Arnold, Pastor and Officiant.