Dr. Johnelia Philippa Hardy Armstrong J.D.

Dr. Johnelia Philippa Hardy Armstrong, JD February 15, 1941 - February 5, 2025 Dr. Johnelia Philippa Hardy Armstrong, J.D., also known as “JP” and “Madame Butterfly” was born to Dr. John Garrick Hardy, PhD and Mrs. Mildred Elizabeth Motley Hardy on February 15, 1941 in Montgomery AL. Her parents were lifelong educators well known throughout the community in Montgomery. Dr. Hardy was a beloved faculty member at Alabama State University. Mrs. Hardy was a beloved faculty member at George Washington Carver High School. Dr. Armstrong was an only child but grew up with several cousins and her closest friend (and was truly her sister) that she met in kindergarten, Nerissa Mann. In her youth she pursued different interests to include being a majorette in the band at Alabama State College Laboratory High School. After her graduation, Dr. Armstrong attended Howard University in Washington DC. She became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., completed her undergraduate degree, and went on to complete Law School earning her Juris Doctorate. After her graduation she moved to Los Angeles, CA and held a number of positions before starting a career with the Employment Development Department as an Employment Claims Specialist. She also met and married her former husband, Hermon C. Armstrong, Sr. and they had one son, Hermon Cortez Armstrong, Jr. Although they divorced after 21 years of marriage, they remained close friends until Hermon Sr.’s death in 2017. After 21 dedicated years working for the State of California, Dr. Armstrong retired and moved back to Montgomery, AL. Throughout her life she was a devout Christian, a dedicated daughter, a loving mother, surrogate sister, and a dedicated friend. In 2015 she moved to Maryland to be closer to her Son and made many cherished memories with him and her longtime friends from college. She practiced, taught, and shared her faith with all she encountered to include teaching Sunday school and sending Bible study guides, inspirational books, letters and cards to her many friends and relatives. She was also a mentor to her son, her nieces and nephews, her younger cousins and her friends. On February 5, 2025 God called her home and she was reunited in Heaven with her parents - Dr. and Mrs. Hardy, her former husband Hermon Armstrong Sr., her cousins - Walter Hayes, Barbara Hayes, Vanessa Hayes, Carmen Hayes, Professor Dorothy Hayes, Rosemary George, Houston Wells, and Eugene Hayes, her dearest friends - Nerissa Mann, Grace Madison, Toni Madison, Dr. Brin Hawkins, Cheryl and Oscar Williams, and Anne Denny. She is survived by her son - Hermon Cortez Armstrong, Jr., her cousins - Luvenia Flowers, Wallena Elliott, Felicia Hayes, Cubie Rae Hayes, Barbara Parker Hayes, Jeanne Aniton, Gene Motley and several more cousins, her nieces and nephews - Janice Richardson, Jane Goins, John Hale, Betty Ladzekpo, Berry Armstrong, Jr., John Armstrong, Dale Cotter, and Louis Armstrong, Jr., dear friends - Dr. Herschiel Mann, Geneva Simon, Authrene Brackett, Rosie Shedrick and many others she cherished. In lieu of flowers in honor of Dr. Armstrong - the family asks that you find an inspirational book, card or send a kind note to someone you know that needs it (as she always did throughout her life). Dr. Armstrong will be interred in Montgomery, AL with her parents at a time later this year. The Armstrong family would like to sincerely thank everyone for the love, words of comfort, cherished memories, and support. "THANKS MA!" A TRIBUTE TO JOHNELIA PHILIPPA HARDY ARMSTRONG We met on December 16, 1972 on a day that was special to both you and me, A special relationship began that day when “+” met his mommie. You’ve spent many long nights nursing and comforting me through all my ills, And had many long days working so hard to pay the bills. You’ve always been there for me through all the good and bad times, And always encouraged me to do my best and broaden my mind. You’re believed in me and taught me about faith in God, To give me strength for the treacherous places in Life’s journey that I must trod. I’ve learned so many valuable things from you that have helped me each day, Your kindness, sacrifices, and love have meant so much to me in every way. You’ve been a confidant, an anchor, a cheerleader, and a friend, To attempt to express my gratitude, I wouldn’t know where to begin. You will always be my sunshine on a cloudy day, the brightest star I ever saw, And for all you’ve done I say – “THANKS MA!” Hermon Cortez Armstrong, Jr. - written in 2005

Tributes

Dr. Johnelia Philippa Hardy Armstrong J.D.

February 15, 1941 - February 5, 2025