Teresa LaNell Armour

   Teresa LaNell Armour (nee Essary) passed away on January 29, 2026 in Lewisville Texas after a battle with cancer, during which she managed to remain the most put-together person in the room, even during chemo.

   LaNell was born on August 2, 1964 in Carmi, IL to Nellie M. (Davis) and Rev. C. Ernest Essary. A gifted musician, LaNell studied piano from the age of 4, and went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from University of Tennessee Martin. Her piano gifts served her well on the pageant circuit where she was crowned various titles as part of the Miss American pageant circuit.

   After college, LaNell spent time working as the Youth Director at the American International Community Church of London, supporting the families of American ex-pats. Upon her return to the United States, she settled in Chicago where she worked as the editor for Flute Talk Magazine. She served as the Media Manager at the Ravinia Festival before moving to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

   LaNell met the love of her life, Terry Armour in Chicago, and they were married in 2004. LaNell and Terry enjoyed a wonderful life together for just four short years before he passed away unexpectedly in 2008. After Terry’s passing, LaNell relocated to Dallas, Texas, where her parents eventually joined her. She served as Executive Director of the Dallas Chamber Music Society, Director at Galenfeha, Inc., and in public relations roles at The Agency at Brown Books and Digital Publishing Inc. before retiring as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations at the National Athletic Trainer’s Association.

   LaNell was predeceased by her husband, Terry Armour; her father, Rev. C. Ernest Essary; and her beloved furbabies, Kramer and Farley. She is survived by her mother, Nellie Essary; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; her Godson, Nick LeComte, Goddaughters Lindsey Jenkins (Dave), Madz and Lily Generes; her posse members Diane LeComte (Jeff), Michelle Miller Burns (Gary), and Sarah Generes (Tom Stuit), and her beloved dog, Archie.

   A memorial service for LaNell was held on Friday February 6th at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano Texas.