Annie Roberta Armstrong

Her Life Story To everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 A Time to Be Born July 20, 1943 was the wonderful day that Annie Roberta (Ferguson) Armstrong began her journey into the world of life. Born to the late Maude Ellen Coats Armstrong and Bishop Paul Armstrong in the City of Suffolk, Virginia. A Time to Live After leaving the City of Suffolk, Virginia as a teenager, Annie developed into a strong, compassionate formidable citizen of the world in her new adopted home of New York City. Annie’s first job was working with a couple as a Nanny. She then moved with her Uncle Henry and Marge Diggs in Brooklyn where she worked in a factory. Annie later became a Barmaid in Harlem where she worked at several establishments including the Lenox Lounge and Lido Lounge. Annie retired after 30 years of service in Harlem on 125th Street. A Time to Love We all know that the brightest lights are enhanced with love. Annie’s life was enriched with happiness with the birth of her two daughters Adrienne Wilkerson of Virginia Beach, VA, and Danielle Ferguson-Macklin of Manchester, NH. She was loved by her husband of many years, the late Allen Ferguson, and together they raised Adrienne and Danielle in New York City with a well-curated circle of friends that became their village. She also had the privilege of sharing a blended family with Allen from his first marriage with his four children: Bishop Jacqueline Walton, the late Janiene Ferguson-Jupiter, the late Asst. Pastor Margaret Joseph, and Allen David Ferguson. They all lived, laughed, and cried together through it all. Annie was committed to her community through the various charities she supported. Regardless of whether it was cooking for the Catholic Church, canvassing the neighborhood to register her fellow neighbors to vote, or walking for the March of Dimes; Annie gave her all to give back what had been given to her. Her love and devotion were also felt by the numerous Godchildren that always knew no matter where in the world they were, they were loved! A Time To Serve Annie, in her early teens accepted Christ as her personal Savior during the Holy Convocation at Mt Olive Holiness Church, Franklin, VA under the pastorship of Elder A. A. Hall. She rejoiced and shouted the night away so much that he had to be physically carried out of church by our father. She worked religiously on the Catholic Church for years becoming personal friends with the leading Sisters and Priest. Nurtured by a Christian family with the foundation of God’s Word, Annie found refuge at Eastward Missionary Baptist Church in East Harlem, NY, where she served as a choir member, a Missionary, and a Mother to all. She worked faithfully and dutifully as a mother to the church and its surrounding community by offering a motivating word, a loving hug, or a kick in the butt. “Momma didn’t take no mess.” She wanted the children to be well, to be happy and to enjoy life and she filled all who knew her with love and, on occasion, a hot plate served with love and devotion. A Time to Die …When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say.” It is well, it is well with my soul”. Mommy slipped away to her Master on June 25, 2021, after a long-fought illness. Besides her parents, husband, and Ferguson daughters; Annie was preceded in death by her sister, Laverne Armstrong-Johnson, and brothers, Calvin Armstrong, Paul C. Armstrong, and Hassan K. Shareef (Melvin Armstrong). As well as the always supportive, ever-present brother-in-law Pastor William E. Golden, who was a spiritual guide, mentor, and fierce protector in his lifetime. Her gleaming memories will be cherished by her two devoted daughters Adrienne Wilkerson and Danielle Ferguson-Macklin, and son-in-law, Arthur Macklin Sr. Ferguson children, Bishop Jacqueline Walton, Allen David Ferguson. Adrienne’s girls, Adrienne (Pooh) Wilkerson, Ashley Wilkerson, and Alexis Wilkerson. Great-Grandchildren, Andre Cousins, Joel Williams Jr (JJ)., Armani Williams, Jzaria Williams, and Ava Neveah Ann Wilkerson. Her siblings: Mary A. Bryant and Ellen Delois DeMary, both of Suffolk VA, Pastor Gertrude Armstrong-Golden of Virginia Beach, VA., Sandra (Michael) Williams of Virginia Beach, VA, Cassie K. (James) Williams of Newport News, VA; two brothers: Minister Toshan (Christine) Armstrong of Suffolk, VA; and Pastor Quinton (Olivia) Franklin, Suffolk, VA Three step-brothers, Leon Porter of Suffolk, Calvin Porter of Portsmouth, and Bishop Aaron Porter of Suffolk. Two step-sisters, Marlene Porter of Suffolk, and Clara Porter of Newport News. God Children Kanesha, Thomas, Kimberly, Tanya, and Lilli. An adopted daughter Doris Caballero. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A special cousin, Arthur (Billy) Thorpe, and a special caregiver, Vance Walker. Best friends for over fifty years Marva Fernandez, Mapil (Doll) Davis, Liz Edwards, Marion (Mickie) Walls, and Sandra Jackson. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021, 12:00PM at New Paul’s Temple Holiness Church of Deliverance, Apostle Gary Rodgers Officiating. Interment: Carver Memorial Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Annie Roberta Armstrong, please visit our flower store.