Earnest LaNell McCray Armstrong was born in Jasper, Texas, to her parents, Mr. Earnest McCray and Mrs. Thelma McCray. She graduated from Jasper High School and Lamar University. She was an active member of Iconium Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas.

She worked at Jefferson County Adult Probation for 28 years and Beaumont ISD for three years. She enjoyed fishing, watching sports, and trash talking while watching sports (basketball and football).

She was preceded in death by her father, Earnest McCray, and brothers, Roy Dennis McCray and Ricky McCray.

Earnest leaves to cherish her memories: her mother, Thelma McCray; daughter, Hailey Armstrong; sister, Terrya Norsworthy; niece, Krystal Mitchell-Williams; great-niece, Sarah Mitchell; great-nephew, Daniel Williams; Hailey's father, Leslie Armstrong; Donna White of the White Family; and a host of other relatives and friends.