Obituary of Zelma Bratcher Armstrong

Zelma Bratcher Armstrong was Born on July 19, 1953 to the late James and Bernice Bratcher at Jamaica Hospital in Queens County, New York (NYC) and departed this life on Friday, October 28^th, at 8:00 am. At an early age she attended the Canaan Baptist Church of New York City, New York where she accepted Christ as her personal savior.

After graduating from high school, Zelma went on to earn a BS in Music Education at Hampton University (VA), MA in Music Therapy at Columbia University (NY), and an MSW at Adelphi University, Garden City (NY). She was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Psychotherapy Privilege.  She worked for NYC Health and Hospital Corporation as well as NY State Psychiatric Division. Zelma continued her career in social work and  served at Mid- Hudson Psychiatric Center for 18 years.  Later, she used her training and her calling to also open a private practice named “Make The Change” in 2019. Her career serving her community covers some forty years. While struggling with an illness, which was the greatest challenge of her life, she managed to open her own private practice with a view to continue to find a way to help someone be their best.

Zelma met Norrel Armstrong, they married on December 2^nd, 1989 and this marriage of thirty three years is the loving umbrella for their three children Mamadi, Ayanna and Hakeem. When the family moved from New York they settled in Dingmans Ferry, township, Pennsylvania.  Zelma lived her best life, she was well traveled, a community activist, loving wife, mother, Sister and friend. She was active in the local churches where she lived.  While in NY she served as youth choir director of the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral. In Dingmans Ferry she became an active member of Faith Christian Outreach Center (FCOC).  Zelma served as an organist and music instructor until the end. Faith Christian deemed her a good and faithful servant leader.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, her brother James, Jr. and many in her Handy lineage -  too many to mention, but  who along with Zelma and living family are listed in The Handy Legacy, Hallowed Ground and Family History.  Left to cherish her memory are: her loving husband Norrel Armstrong, children Mamadi Bratcher-Small, Ayanna Armstrong, and Hakeem Armstrong; grandchildren, Amani, Arianna, Antwon, Nova; siblings and spouses Thomas & Anita Dottin, Sydney Paskel, Norman & Abby Dottin, and Sandra & Paul McCain; a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, along with best friends who were loving, confidant, caregivers:  Leonard Lambert and Kaitlyn Caragine. Zelma will be sorely missed.

A viewing will be held at the Faith Christian Outreach Center, 104 Red Shale Road, Lords Valley, PA on Friday, November 4, 2022 from 10 to 10:30 AM. Funeral services will be held at Faith Christian Outreach Center, Lords Valley, PA on Friday, November 4, 2022 at 10:30 AM. Burial will take place in Mount Holiness Memorial Park, Butler, NJ at 2 PM.

Arrangements by Stroyan Funeral Home, 405 West Harford St., Milford, PA (www.stroyanfuneralhome.com).