Gloria Ann Archer's Obituary
Gloria Ann Archer
June 3, 1924 – October 9, 2017
Gloria Ann Archer, of Miami was lifted up in spirit from this world, into the eternal presence and life in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on October 9th, 2017.
Gloria was born in Atlanta, Georgia on June 3, 1924. Her father passed away when she was a young child, as the Great Depression was beginning. Because her mother was left unable to support their home with three children, Gloria spent part of her childhood in a nearby orphanage, until she could begin working to help support her mother and herself. From those hard and heartbreaking times, she learned how to live her life with grace, compassion, gratitude, and diligence.
She was known to her friends by her warm, friendly, and outgoing manner. But behind that easy Southern charm, she loved and cared passionately for the people around her, always ready to help and encourage you with a bright and beautiful smile. People were naturally drawn to her for her friendly and gracious Southern charm.
For 65 years Gloria was married to her one and only husband, Bill Archer. They married in their early 20’s late in WWII while Bill was stationed in Pensacola, Florida as a Naval Flight Instructor. After the war, they lived in East Point, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta where her first child, Patty, was born. Soon Bill was recruited to fly for National Airlines and they moved to the post-war boom-town of Miami, Florida where they would raise a family and live their lives.
Gloria and Bill had three children together, all of whom survive her: Patricia Ann (Patty) Archer, of Miami; William B. (Bill) Archer, of Miami, and his wife Roxanne Archer; And James D (Jim) Archer, of Texas, and his wife Sandra Archer. All of Gloria’s grandchildren survive her as well: Michelle Archer of Chicago, Illinois, Skylar Archer of Denver, Colorado; Mackenzie Archer of Austin, Texas; Alexandra Archer of Miami; and Samantha Funk of Miami. Gloria is predeceased by her sister Martha Bruce, and brother Dr. James Bruce.
Besides her great smile and modest, friendly Southern manner, Gloria was best known for her love and unwavering dedication to her friends, family and children. She was always there to help or care for a sick friend. But this selfless loving compassion that characterized Gloria was no more clearly seen than in her lifelong dedication and loving care for her special-needs daughter, Patty Archer. Gloria was likewise an encouragement and inspiration to parents and family of other mentally handicapped and disabled children and adults, serving faithfully for years with the Parents and Friends of Haven Center, and later, Friends and Families of Sunrise Opportunities, Inc.
Later in life Gloria returned to school and earned medical certification to be a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) where she could continue to practice and share her God-given gifts of care and healing. She loved her work as a floor nurse at Baptist Hospital on North Kendall Drive, where she became active in the Baptists Nurses Association, and continued to enjoy great friendships there for years after her retirement.
Gloria attended church services all her life at four different Christian denominations; but her family now rejoices that only a few years ago she came to truly know and understand the true Biblical basis of her salvation and eternal life in her Lord Jesus Christ, by faith alone.
A memorial of the life of Gloria Archer will be shared with a gathering of family and friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday November 4th, 2017, at Van Orsdel Funeral Chapel, 11240 North Kendall Drive, Miami, Florida.
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