Virginia “Carolyn” Archer, 86, of Centralia, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Fireside Nursing Home in Centralia. She was born on May 24, 1938, the daughter of Robbie and Tressa (Boatright) Howard in Centralia, IL. She married John Archer on December 29, 1956, in Batesville, MS and he preceded her in death on January 16, 2014.
Survivors include her brother, David Howard of Walnut Hill, IL; and many special nieces and nephews.
Along with her beloved husband of 57 years, John Archer, Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Maxine Koch, Floyd Howard, Norma Holle, Robert Howard, Hilda Foehner, Mary Goodnight, Ruth Cook, and infant brother, Darrell Howard.
Carolyn was a faithful member of the First Apostolic Church in Centralia, where she was so grateful for the love of her church family. Carolyn worked at Hollywood Brands Candy Company in Centralia, a dry cleaning shop in California, See’s Candies in California, and Kas Potato Chips in Centralia before retiring in 1976 to start her golden years early.
Carolyn liked shopping (especially for shoes and vacuum cleaners), sewing curtains and clothing (some of better quality and workmanship than store-bought), cooking and canning, and painting with Tri-Chem paints (with one of her paintings still hanging over the fireplace). She was famous within her own family and the church family for her macaroni and cheese.
She was a very giving person, often trying new recipes and bringing delightful new dishes to her family members, neighbors, and friends. While on shopping trips, she frequently bought items for anyone she thought could use or enjoy the purchase. And whenever her older sister Mary needed someone to stay with her for a few hours, Carolyn was quick to volunteer her services, guiding her blind sister around the house, helping her with meals, or just visiting and brightening Mary’s dark days.
Carolyn’s favorite scripture was “…God is no respecter of persons” from Acts 10:34, where Paul was learning that God accepts everyone regardless of their background. She thought it was wonderful that everyone had the same chance with God in spite of family connections or lack thereof and in spite of past mistakes.
A celebration of life service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, January 4, 2024, at the First Apostolic Church in Centralia with Pastor Johnathan Urshan officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in rural Sandoval. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church. Memorials may be made in Carolyn’s honor to the First Apostolic Church or Tupelo Children’s Mansion. Online condolences and memories of Carolyn may be shared with the family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
