Mary L. Armstrong

Mary Louise Armstrong was truly one of a kind, irreplaceable, and our angel on Earth. Mary was born in
Tupelo, MS on March 16, 1953 to the late William and Ara Armstrong Sr. On the afternoon of December 31st, 2023,
the Lord called Mary home to her eternal rest. She is now united with her beloved parents and brother, Willie
Shumpert who preceded her in death. Mary leaves her loyal family to cherish her precious memories: Her devoted
siblings: Gladys (Larry) Fisher; Florine Nails, William (Marilyn) Armstrong Jr; Gloria Holliday; and John Nelson
(Marilyn) Armstrong, Sr. Her loving nieces and nephews: Rebecca (Melvin) Pierce, Melanie Armstrong, Ashley
Armstrong, Shanida Smith, William Stacy (Nicky) Armstrong Jr., John Nelson Armstrong Jr, Rodney Fisher, Willie
Bradley, Michael Birks, Andrew Birks, Janell Armstong, and Lorita(Fabian) Shaw. Mary did not have biological
children, but she was favored by her grand-niece, Raven Armstrong, as a second mom. Mary opened up her home to
a high school student from Finland. She still calls Mary her American mom. Mary also leaves behind 2 aunts
(Bobbie Dale Kohlheim and Lilly Mae Kohlheim), 1 uncle (Lloyd (Mattie) Poster, and a host of adoring grand nieces,
grand nephews, and cousins.  
Mary professed her love for Christ at Red Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Tupelo at an early age.
As an active member of Red Oak, she served as Chair of the Kitchen Committee, assistant Sunday School Teacher,
Choir member, and the Missionary Society. On the day she was called home, she blessed the choir with her beautiful
voice one last time. Mary served as a trustee for Spring Hill District M.B Association and sang with General
Progressive Baptist State Convention Choir.  
Mary graduated from Tupelo High School in 1973 and began working for the Tupelo Daily Journal. She
was a dedicated employee and retired after 45 years of service. Mary grew restless with retirement and began
working for the Tupelo Public Schools Transportation Department as a bus monitor where she remained until her
passing. The children on the bus loved and adored her and will certainly miss her.  
Mary lent her time to a few organizations. She was an active member of Tupelo/Lee County National
Council of Negro Women and Elisha Court #26A Heroines of Jericho.  
Mary enjoyed the simpler things in life and focused on what really mattered. For Mary, that meant enjoying
life with family, friends, church, and her community. She had a special bond with her sisters, brothers, nieces, 
nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. Mary loved planting in her garden and would spend hours beautifying her
home with unique flowers and plants. Sunday and Holiday dinners with the family were always the best at Mary’s
home. She loved cooking, baking, and watching the happy faces of those who enjoyed her food.  
Mary was the quintessential "Phenomenal" woman, and her legacy will live on through her family and friends

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