Michael Anthony Armstrong Sr.

Today, we come together with heavy hearts to celebrate the life of Deacon Michael Anthony Armstrong, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and dear friend, who departed this life on Friday, April 11, 2025, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.
Born on July 29, 1952, in Millbrook, Alabama, Michael was the cherished son of Taft Garrett and Virginia Armstrong Jones and was the youngest of six children. Growing up in Millbrook in the early years of his life were some memorable times for him. A family grounded in their faith, he was baptized as a child at the Lake Elam Missionary Baptist Church before relocating. He moved to Clairton, PA, in the early 60s to live with his eldest sister until she took ill. He began his education in the Clairton School District before moving to McKeesport to live with his mother.
Michael was a graduate of the McKeesport Area High School Class of 1972. Shortly after graduating, he joined the United States Army. Four years after finishing his Tour of Duty ranking as a Sergeant E5, he returned to McKeesport and started working at the United States Steel Corporation until the early 1980s. Michael began working in the Continental Lounge on Walnut Street as a Bartender. Then from 1998-2019, he worked and retired from the Nutrition Group with over 20 years' service.
Michael affectionately known to family and friends as Mikey Boo, was very family oriented and always there for his family and friends near and far. From daily breakfast at Eat N Park locally to the Waffle House in Alabama. Mikey Boo had problems tearing that road up driving to Alabama anytime, but especially for his Birthday and one of his favorite nephew's Ponney's Anniversary, which were on the same day. Speaking of drive, many people know Mikey Boo as a Jitney driver in and around town for well over 25 years. He made thousands of trips over the years. He started with Larry Wallace's service on Walnut Street and then was stationed at the 5th Avenue Shop N Save until his untimely death. Michael was known to cut a rug and never hesitated to party and show off his moves and outfits. Mikey Boo was always well dressed. From head to toe, from the hats to the shoes, color coordinated, he was cleaner than the board of health, dubbing him as "Mr. Put It On". Lastly and certainly not least, he has a Smile that lit up the room, and his genuineness showed through his smile. Mikey Boo aways true to himself, a country boy at heart, living in the city.
Michael was a former member of Zion Baptist Church, McKeesport, where he served on the Kitchen Committee, Male Chorus, and then became an Ordained Deacon under the leadership of Rev. Henry M. Billingsley on June 14, 2003. After being ordained, Deacon Armstrong continued to study the word of God and followed instructions from his pastor. Deacon Armstrong was also an over-20-year active member of the Annual Allegheny Union Baptist Association Laymen's Ministry. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Vice President of the Lower Mon Laymen's. Deacon Armstrong took pride in working with the Laymen to have their Annual Christmas party every year.
Deacon Armstrong was also a founding member of Word Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor and Founder, Rev. Henry M. Billingsley, serving in the capacity of Deacon. He was a faithful member from the church's inception on December 9, 2009, through his last time in service on April 6, 2025. Deacon Armstrong stood firm on his Faith in God and always wanting to a closer walk with God. Also wanting and encouraging his family to do the same. He loved having his family with him in church service. His consistent work in the ministry afforded him a Special Recognition Plaque from the church on April 24, 2011, and he was recognized and named by his church Laymen of the Year in 2013 at the Annual Allegheny Union Baptist Association Lower Mon's Laymen's Banquet.
Deacon Armstrong was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Dorothy Ashley and Margaret McKittum, brothers: Ceasar Jones and George Jones, daughter: Darmonica Armstrong Fields, grandsons: Tyrone Davis and Hasan Williams, granddaughters: Giselle Brown and Frankie Lee Spence, and great-granddaughters: Marlaya and Bella Adams.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 13 years, Monsanza McCray Armstrong, sons: Michael, Jr., and Paris Armstrong, Dijuan Taylor and Franklin Spence III, daughters: Dr. Sherida Lynn Williams of Thomaston, Georgia, Shamica Armstrong, Monsanza Stuvaints and Schquille Spence, 22 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, sisters: Willie Mae Long of Jefferson Hills, Lydia Hamlin and bonus sister Katherine Brown of McKeesport, brother James Young of Cleveland, Ohio, aunt: Hattie Armstrong, mother-in-law: Francheska McCray, two Goddaughters: Ebony Patrick and Christina Francis, and a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved so dearly as well as many cousins and devoted friends.
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