Annie Archer's Obituary
Ann L Archer
February 6, 1942 – September 7, 2021
Annie (Ann) Lora Archer, daughter of the late Ernest Segil Gregg and Dollie Hatcher Gregg, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 7th from complications of Covid 19. Ann was born on February 6, 1942 in the small community of Osawatomie, Kansas. As a young girl, her family moved to Wichita, Kansas. Ann and her husband of 60 years, Gary L Archer, both attended Wichita High School East and graduated in 1959. They met for the first time on a blind date the summer after graduation. They were married on July 14, 1961 and had five children: Lezlea Davison (Dean), Melissa Brothers (Ted), Gary Brent Archer (Dana), Tamara Archer, and Heather Shaw (Kevin).
Ann was a loving and devoted grandmother to ten grandchildren: Cory Barrett, Reagan Dean (Riley), Blaine Jackson, Collin Jackson, Rebekah Porazzo (Ryan), Hannah Archer, Adam Archer, Morgan Shaw, Natalie Shaw and Summer Shaw, and three great grandchildren: Carmen Barrett, Calvin Barrett and Alice Dean.
Ann was creative with many diverse talents. She had a beautiful soprano voice and was known to have a song for every occasion. In addition to singing, she simply loved music. Aside from classic country, she was an avid Elvis Presley fan. Some of her most prized possessions were Elvis collectibles given to her by her children proudly displayed throughout her home. Christmas was not complete without an Elvis Christmas album playing in the background. She proudly wore an Elvis Presley watch for over 30 years.
Ann blessed her children and grandchildren with custom hand painted ornaments. She would research the interests of each individual and create a piece that was specific to each person. Each year brought excitement wondering what new concept she had come up with. Additionally, she would create custom pieces either on canvas, wood or rocks and each piece was made with love.
Ann wrote poetry and her children and grandchildren were most often the inspiration. Several years ago she collaborated with her daughter, Melissa, to create a children’s book for her young grandchildren.
Although she never claimed to love cooking, she was an excellent cook and enjoyed watching cooking shows looking for fresh inspiration. Her daughters spent many afternoons under her tutelage baking cookies and learning how to make homemade bread and doughnuts. It wasn’t unusual for her to get a phone call from one of her daughters asking her how to make a family favorite recipe.
She was compassionate and frequently looked for ways she could serve others by either helping to make quilts for charity, baking a special treat, sending cards of encouragement or making a personal phone call.
She was the type of mother to sit in the stadium, concert hall, baseball field or auditorium and support each interest and endeavor of her children. She was known to have a quick wit and impart invaluable advice (when asked) from caring for a sick child, mending a broken heart to reminding you of how blessed you were when you wanted to complain.
She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and had a personal testimony of Jesus Christ. She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.
Ann will be laid to rest on Friday, September 24th at Trinity Memorial Gardens in a private graveside service. All are invited to join in a celebration of her life at 7 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints chapel located at 13510 N 42nd St., Tampa, Florida 33613. The family will be available for a meet and greet at 6 PM prior to the service.
For those unable to attend in person, please join us via zoom at http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/tampafloridastake
What’s your fondest memory of Annie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Annie?
Share a story where Annie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Annie you’ll never forget.
How did Annie make you smile?