Minister Kenneth Ray Armstrong, Jr.

Minister Kenneth Ray Armstrong, Jr., known affectionately as Kenny Jr., was born on September 11, 1976, in Suffolk, VA. The eldest son of Elder Dorothy Golden Armstrong and the late Kenneth R. Armstrong, Sr., he was raised in a family grounded in faith and love. Kenny Jr. grew up with a deep sense of purpose, influenced by the strong spiritual foundation laid by his mother and the guidance of his church family. His early education was in the Suffolk Public School system, where he graduated from Nansemond River High School in 1994. He furthered his education at Norfolk State University, attending from 1994 to 1996. He joined the NSU Spartan Legion Marching Band, an experience that would leave a lasting impact on him. Under the direction of the late Alzie F. Walker, II, he embraced his passion for music, a love that would remain a part of his life. Minister Kenny Jr. was blessed with the ability to sing the grace of God. As young as five years old, he lent his voice to various church choirs, including the Pts youth choir at Paul's Temple. He quickly became a go-to for solos, often called upon for funerals or church services where his powerful tenor voice would resonate with song like "My Soul Has Been Anchored in the Lord", "When We Reach the Other Shore", or "Jesus is the Best Thing that ever happened to me". On any given Sunday, Minister Kenny Jr. and the choir would fill the air with songs of praise to God, such as "Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving", "For the Rest of My Life, I'll serve the Lord", or " Rise Again". Minister Kenny Jr. continued his education in 2009, earning an Assoicate Degree of Applied Science in Management from Tidewater Community College. He worked for several organizations over the years including Central State Hospital, Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and Johnson Controls, Inc., where he applied his skills and commitment to excellence. But his true calling was always in the service of the Lord. Minister Kenny Jr. was a former member of the New Paul's Temple Holiness Church of Deliverance, where he was shaped by the leadership of the late Bishop Paul Armstrong, Dr. Catherine B. Skinner and Elder William E. Golden. In August 2018, he was ordained a Minister by Pastor William Golden and from that moment, his ministry flourished. He served in multiple capacities within the church, including President of the Junior Pastor's Aide, Choir Director, Minister of Music and a dedicated member of the Willing Workers. His love for music and worship was vital to the church music ministry. In April of 2024, he joined Mt. Gilead Full Gospel International Ministries under the pastorate of Bishop Daniel Robertson, Jr., Richmond, VA. With a heart full of love and mind always buzzing with ideas, he was the epitome of a devoted family man. He spent countless hours planning special events and memorable trips for his loved ones to enjoy together, especially his Juneteenth Celebration. His joy came not from personal achievements, but from the happiness of his family. He took immense joy in seeing his loved ones happy and cherished the time spent together. Minister Kenny Jr. faced the heartbreak of losing his father, Kenneth R. Armstrong, Sr., and his two sisters, Latonya Armstrong and Selena Annette Williams. But through every loss, he remained a man of great strength, faith and resilience. He leaves behind his loving wife, Amanda Armstrong, and his children: two sons, Gregory Cooper and Mekhi Tolbert, and two daughters, Marlene Johnson (Jamel) and Kendra Armstrong. He was a proud grandfather to Zameera Anderson and a devoted son to his mother, Elder Dorothy Armstrong. His extended family includes five brothers: Coyotito Faulk, Doron Armstrong, Jeron Edwards, Blake Green (Cheryl), Antoine Higgs (Nikki) as well as eight sisters: Pettina Gay, Lacisha Walker, Deanna Bailey Holley (Martell), Shana Blue, Veola Green, Rachel Whitehead, Lethia Eason Tate (Aria), and Dominique Daly. He also leaves behind his grandmother, Mary Frances Towns, many nieces, nephews, godchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, all of whom cherished his presence and will carry on his legacy of faith, love and service. Minister Kenny Jr.'s life was a testament to the power of faith, family, and dedication. He lived his life with purpose, always putting others before himself and serving his community with an unwavering commitment. Though he is no longer physically with us, his memory and the impact he had on so many lives will live on forever.

Minister Kenneth Ray Armstrong, Jr.

September 11, 1976 - August 18, 2025