Age 88, of Seattle, WA, passed away April 23, 2021 at Swedish First Hill from complications of Covid19 and the underlying condition of COPD.
Ernestine Armstrong was born in May 1932 in Selma, Alabama and raised in Detroit Michigan. She moved to Washington in the early 70’s and met her third husband, Edward “Poppa” Armstrong. She spent many years with her family in Stampede Pass, Washington where her husband was a foreman for Burlington Northern. Their home was lively and full of family and friends.
She retired as a nurses aid with her love of friends, family and food she began catering for businesses during the holidays and for special events. She is survived by her sisters Francis “Frankie” Brazil and Marion “Kitty” Aikens, her son Gregory Aikens, Daughters Elaine Aikens and Sherrell Armstrong, nieces Wendy Robinson and Linda Love, nephew Delbert Love, eight grandchildren, twenty-seven great grandchildren, and eighteen great great grandkids.
Ernestine “Big Mama” Armstrong was a saved Jehovah’s Witness and she participated in Bible study regularly. She also loved music and often played Motown and other oldies but goodies. In her final home, Park Place Assisted Living, pre-covid, she was known for sharing her culture and love of music by sharing her record collection with the other residents and dancing for music night.
She is proceeded in death by her father Frank Quil Aikens, mother Mattie Aikens, her brothers William “Bang” Aikens, James “Mickey” Aikens, Roy “Buddy” Aikens, sister Betty “Aikens” Wright and great grandchildren Michael Anthony Brown III and Tiana Montgomery.
Affectionately known as Ernie and Big Mama, she stole people’s hearts everywhere she went. Big Mama was active in her family life. In the 1980s, her and Edward “Poppa” Armstrong moved to Renton where generations of family came to know love, belonging and grace.
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children” Proverbs 17:6
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