John Lewis Armstrong

John Lewis “Smokie” Armstrong, 70, of Lorain, Ohio, passed away on May 6, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio, following a brief illness.

John was born on May 3, 1955, in Demopolis, Alabama, to the late Larry and Susie Armstrong. He graduated from Admiral King High School in 1974 and later retired from Ford Motor Company.

John was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved to dance, laugh, and spend time with the people he cared about. His joyful spirit and warm presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Patricia Wanamaker Armstrong; his daughters Darlene Johnson of San Antonio, Texas, Topeka Charlton Armstrong of San Antonio, Texas, A.J. Armstrong of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Shamika Armstrong Stewart of Cleveland, Ohio; his sons John Edward Armstrong of Lorain, Ohio, John Alexander Armstrong of Lorain, Ohio, and Bobby Smith of Lorain, Ohio; and two stepdaughters, Naketa Wanamaker and Nakisha Wanamaker, both of Lorain, Ohio.

He is also survived by five sisters: Clibie B. White of Bessemer, Alabama; Pauline Armstrong of Lorain, Ohio; Dolores Ann (Don) Jefferson of Detroit, Michigan; Darlene Brown of Lorain, Ohio; and Bell Armstrong of Lorain, Ohio; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving relatives and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Susie Armstrong; his brothers Tommy Lee Armstrong, Shely Armstrong, Henry Armstrong, and Sam Armstrong; and his sisters Mary Lee Essex and Martha Spencer.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 26, 2026, from 11:00 AM until the time of services at 12:00 PM at Brown-Robinson Funeral Home and Celebration Center, 6075 Middle Ridge Road, Lorain, Ohio 44053. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain, Ohio.