Joann R. Archer
April 5, 1950-February 8, 2009
Joann R. Archer, 58, of Tomahawk Lane in Niles, Michigan, died at 10:30 p.m. Sunday, February 8, 2009, in her home following an extended illness.
She was born on April 5, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Forrest Wesley and Virginia (Walker) Riffey. She graduated from Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, earning her bachelor's degree in accounting and marketing with a minor in music and voice.
She was most recently employed for over 16 years at Life Action Ministries, where she coordinated the clothing of the singing teams and applied her computer skills to help maintain the web-site for the ministry.
Joann very much enjoyed singing in the choir or throughout the day. She had a beautiful soprano voice she developed through years of training.
She enjoyed cooking and new recipes that she had no fear of trying on friends and guests in her home. As her disease progressed, cooking became more difficult for her to manage, however, she still enjoyed sharing recipes and baked foods, which were always on hand for her guests.
To her, baking was an extension of herself and ministry to others. She enjoyed recipes so much that she published a cookbook of some of her favorite recipes to benefit ALS research and bless those who received the publication.
Joann's true love was talking; she most enjoyed talking about the one she loved most besides her husband and daughters, the Lord Jesus Christ. From the time she first met Him and accepted His gift of salvation, she loved to talk to those she met along the way, whether in a grocery store, her home or wherever she was, she just could not help but speak of her love for Him and His saving grace.
For her grace, love, and life, she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
On August 15, 1970, in Forrest City, Arkansas, she married Charles A. Archer III, who survives. Also surviving are their two daughters, Catherine (Dan) Clark of Laredo, Texas, and Mary Alice (Josh) Dice of Salem, IL; four grandchildren, Wesley, Sarah, Andrew and Emily; her sister, Laurie Parson of Blytheville, Arkansas; and a brother, Giles Riffey of Memphis, Tennessee.
Mrs. Archer was preceded in death by her sister, Camille Newman.
The funeral service for Joann R. Archer will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, February 13, in Berrien Center Bible Church in Berrien Center, Michigan, with Rev. Mark J. Smith of the church and Rev. Maynard Schoen of Berrien Springs, Michigan, officiating.
Committal services will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the Life Action Ministries Auditorium on Niles-Buchanan Road from 6-8 p.m. Thursday.
Contributions may be made to Life Action Ministries or to the ALS Association.
Submitted by family member; publication details unknown