Earlest Edward Armstrong, Sr.

Earlest Sr. was born June 18, 1940, in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, to the union of Earlest Milton and Hattie Armstrong. This dedicated man of God transitioned on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

He accepted Christ into his life at an early age and served for many years as a Deacon at Little Zion Primitive Baptist Church, participating in the Room in the Inn and singing in the Men’s Choir. He later moved his membership to Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Joseph Walker, III.

Earlest Sr. was educated in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, and was a graduate of Clark High School.

Earlest Sr. married his high school sweetheart, Thedora Rogers, on October 4, 1958. This love lasted a lifetime, with 66 years of marriage.

Earlest Sr. was known for his dedication and strong work ethic. Throughout his life, he provided for his family by working as a janitor for Channel 4 News, a welder at IKG Industries, and a licensed barber on the weekends. After more than 30 years of hard work and commitment, he celebrated a well-deserved retirement from IKG Industries.

Earlest Sr. enjoyed attending TSU football games and was a season ticket holder. He loved camping with his group, Music City Camping Nuts. He had a true servant’s heart; he loved helping and serving others. He also loved watching Westerns, NASCAR racing, and riding miles on his bicycle.

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Thedora Rogers Armstrong, his parents, his brother, William Ray Armstrong, and his granddaughter, Angel.

Those left to cherish his memories are, daughters, Minister Trina Walker, and Marilyn (Pastor Dwight) Church; son, Earlest (Felicia) Armstrong Jr., one brother, Joe Armstrong, His pride and joy grandchildren, John Parker Jr, David (Jamie) Church, Kena Helms, Christopher (LaShara) Church, Earlest III (Shatika) Armstrong, Theodore Armstrong, and 16 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, devoted nieces, Mary Green, and Helen Sharp. A host of family and friends, with special mention to his YMCA Senior exercise friends.