NFL-Player-Turned-Pastor Antonio Armstrong's Mom Preaches: I Will Bless the Lord Even With Tears Running Down My Face
Antonio Armstrong, a pastor and former Texas A&M and Miami Dolphins linebacker, and his wife, Dawn, dearly loved each other and their three children, including the 16-year-old son, who allegedly shot them to death and would often bragged about his "attractive" girlfriend on social media.
The teenage son of Antonio and Dawn Armstrong, both 42 and who were shot early Friday in their home in Houston, Texas, was identified by local media as Antonio Armstrong Jr., or A.J. Armstrong, who has been charged with double homicide and will be tried as a juvenile.
A note found lying near the gun that was used in the shooting, said, "I've been watching you." Police have not disclosed who wrote the note – one of the parents or the son.
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While the motive remains unknown, A.J. often posted pictures of his girlfriend on Twitter, in a manner that might hove possibly upset his parents.
On July 9, he tweeted her picture, saying, "Y'all wtf look at my girl." On May 29, he wrote, "Dang, my girl cute asf."
Antonio Armstrong was assistant pastor at the Spirit and Life Kingdom Center church in southwest Houston, which is led by his mother, Pastor Kay Shorter. Antonio and Dawn were also involved in the church's marriage ministry.
Two days after the tragedy, Shorter preached in the church Sunday.
"Don't believe the lie that this is the will of God," Shorter told the congregation, according to the Houston Chronicle. "God doesn't take life. He gives life." She added that she had made "the decision to bless the Lord ... when there's good news ... (and when) tears are running down my face."
She continued, "I'm blessing Him for the life of my son, my firstborn. I'm blessing Him for life today; I'm blessing Him for the opportunity to carry that child, to give birth to that child, to raise that child. I'm blessing Him for the impact that child had on other people's lives."
Shorter said she doesn't know why her son and daughter-in-law were killed.
After the service, Shorter said she never thought of taking Sunday off. "I had to come," she was quoted as saying. "Antonio would have said to me, 'Momma, are you coming to church today?'"
She explained she had "gotten so much strength and encouragement just from being here today, that's what I was looking for… just the people standing there, the spiritual experience, it's what the Lord does in you and through you."
In an interview with local station ABC13, she said, "He was just that loving kind gracious young man and my daughter, she was the same way. She was so giving and loving and caring."
Antonio and his wife, Dawn, apparently loved each other and their children dearly.
Dawn wrote in a Facebook post on July 17: "Love Your Spouse Day 4......Me and this handsome guy...serve in Ministry together, run our business together, raise our children together and do our best to get better for each other daily! Love you Antonio Armstrong ...........We are Team Armstrong in all that we do!"
On July 4, Antonio Armstrong posted a picture of his family on Facebook, saying, "Happy 4th of July from the Armstrong family!!!! Gig'em!!! — with Josh Armstrong and Dawn Whitely Armstrong."
Dawn wrote about A.J. Armstrong in a Facebook post last October: "He is our baby boy! He loves the game! He always has and always will! He is maturing and growing on and off the field! The game is changing him and he is changing the game! We love you son!"
Armstrong also wrote about their son: "My son AJ (15) and I at The Kinkaid School Annual Father and Son Dinner. This is done the week of the 'BIG' rivalry game against the St. John Mavericks!! As you can see....the other tradition is the Seniors give the under class men a crazy cut to be worn for the week … Let's GO FALCONS!!!"
In April, Dawn posted a family picture, saying, "This picture is everything to me! My husband in action back in the day! My boys maturing and growing into amazing young men. Spending the day with their dad cherishing every memory and moment. #Legacy"
On their anniversary, Antonio Armstrong wrote: "This picture is from 18 yrs ago, Feb 14, 1998. I said, 'I Do' to a wonderful and beautiful young lady, Dawn Armstrong!! At that time, I figured out, I HAD NOTHING FIGURED OUT! Marriage is a journey full off (sic) peaks and valleys!! It takes a committed team to work together in the mist of the peaks and valleys! Today, I celebrate my greatest team mate...no matter how low the valley took us or how inadequate I was as a leader, she never emasculated me! Instead of destroying me, she supported me. I can honestly say that if it wasn't for Dawn I wouldn't be the man I am today. I celebrate My LOVE on our 18th anniversary!!"
The couple also ran First Class Training, a gym in Bellaire. Antonio advocated health and fitness, and was a motivational speaker, posting videos on YouTube.
