Deacon Louis Edward Armstrong
Louis Edward Armstrong succumbed April 25, 2026. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 1, 2026, 11:00 a.m., at Morning Star Baptist Church, 3420 Albermarle Rd., Jackson, Mississippi.
Louis was born on August 31, 1950, in Bude, Mississippi, located in Franklin County. He was the sixth child born among eight siblings to the late Mr. Charlie Armstrong and the late Mrs. Lucille Campbell Armstrong.
At the early age of ten, his father died. He was so eager to lend a helping hand when needed, he earned the nickname “The Rock”. He was known as “The Man of the House” because of the way he accepted his calling for leadership. Knowing that his mother had a very high expectation of him, he was motivated to help his family and anyone else in need.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Betty A. Taylor, Charlestine A. Blakely, Bobby Nell A. Henry, Lutricia Ann A. Triplett, Mildred A. Robinson, and Chuck Armstrong.
Louis received his early education in the Franklin County Public School District. He was an avid baseball player where he served as pitcher. If not playing in the school band you could find him practicing on his trumpet; after all, he had to live up to his namesake.
As an honor student, he was well respected by his peers. This may have been the time that he developed his passion for collaborating and fostering a strong community. In the small rural community of Bude everybody was somebody, neighbors helped neighbors, and no one looked down on another person unless to help by pulling them up. In 1968, he graduated from Lilly May Bryant High School with honors.
Louis was taught at an early age to live up to his mother’s expectations. After high school graduation, his mother drove to Jackson State University and dropped him off at Dixon Hall. She gave him a hug, some money, told him to do his best and keep on being a good leader. He joined the Sonic Boom of the South for a short period of time. In jest, they were looking for the real Louis Armstrong so he was allowed to seek other activities on the campus.
He then decided it was time to spend quality time with his high school sweetheart Daisy Mae Davis. They married and he moved to Chicago where he enrolled in Malcolm X College. During this time he acquired a strong value system for human rights, equality, justice, and fairness for all. Louis and Daisy became the proud parents of three loving children whom they adored.
Louis returned to Jackson, and completed his sophomore year. Soon Uncle Sam welcomed his leadership skills in the United States Army. After a tour of duty serving in Fort Polk, Louisiana, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Fort Riley, Kansas, he returned to Jackson State University. There he re-entered and was a member of the Career Opportunities Program (COP), created to support veterans and other paraprofessionals. This opportunity provided employment in a public schools setting while earning a four year degree. He served in Key Elementary and Whitten Junior High in the Jackson Public School District. He was a founding member of the Veteran’s Club.
He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in History and graduated with honors. After many years he returned to THEE I Love, Jackson State University and earned a Master of Arts degree in Urban and Regional Planning. He soon joined the distinguished brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Mu Sigma Chapter, Incorporated.
Louis, believe it or not, became one of Mississippi’s movie stars! He was featured in Mississippi Burning and Ghosts of Mississippi. After his fame on the big screen while attending a neighborhood meeting, he was attracted to the lovely Dr. Cynthia Johnson. After a lengthy courtship they joined in holy matrimony on December 30, 2005. Together, they enjoyed traveling, Jackson State football games, and quality time with the children and grandchildren. He was a true foodie. A favorite pastime was exploring new cuisine at local, regional, and national restaurants.
Louis was a born leader. His mother’s early expectations, leadership skills, and passion to serve in the community empowered his career as a compassionate community servant. He wore many hats across his decades of service. He was known for his passion to serve and always cherished positions that impacted the quality of life for mankind. As Director of Hinds County Human Resource Agency he developed the Meals on Wheels Program which is still in existence today. After many years in this role he moved on to share his leadership at the Mississippi Legal Service Coalition, ensuring that citizens received justice.
When the City of Jackson implemented the council form of government, Louis served as the first Councilman for Ward 2 and was elected as President. As a skilled grant writer and Special Project Officer for Hinds County Board of Supervisors, he wrote and obtained grants for the homeless. In this role he also served as the Director of the Reentry Program. This was his last position of service before retirement.
Louis was a very active member of Morning Star Baptist Church. He faithfully served in the Brotherhood Ministry, Male Choir, Former Co-Teacher of The Couples Sunday School Class, and a devoted Deacon. Louis will long be remembered by many for his servant leadership, love for community, and strong family bond.
Those left to cherish his rich memories and legacy include his loving wife: Dr. Cynthia Johnson Armstrong, Jackson, MS; sons: Artie (Vanessa) Armstrong Jr., Jackson, MS and Cedric (Lawanda) Armstrong, Fresno, TX; daughters: Kwanza Armstrong, Ridgeland, MS and Dr. Catherine (Dr. Emmanuel) Kuada, Hammond, LA; sister: Shelly Ann Winder, Chicago, IL; brother: Jerry Armstrong; grandchildren: Kacey Bradford, Courtney Bradford, Ridgeland, MS, Artie Jordan Armstrong Jr., Jackson, MS, Cedric Armstrong Jr., Devin Armstrong, Dylan Armstrong, Sehonam Kuada, Lafayette, LA, and Mikael Kuada, Hammond, LA; brother-in-law: Jerry (Patricia) Johnson, Jackson, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, friends and colleagues.
