Wanda Archer

Wanda Lee Archer, 86, of Easton, Maryland, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2024. Wanda was survived by her two sons, Dean (Kathy) Archer, and David (Stacy) Archer; three grandchildren, Christine Archer, Kevin Archer, and Harley LeCates; three brothers, Robert (Sally) Blackwell, John (Judy) Blackwell, and Sam Blackwell; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Robert Owen Archer; two infant sons, Danny and Dallas Archer; four sisters, Retha (Eugene) Hedgecock, Nellie (Henry) McGhee, Joyce (George) Ballard, and Eva Mattox. Wanda was born on October 20, 1937, in Helen, West Virginia. She was the daughter of the late Hubert and Gladys Mann Blackwell. Her father was a coal miner, and with her seven sisters and brothers, Wanda grew up in West Virginia surrounded by the love of her family. After graduating from high school, Wanda visited her sister Retha in Selma, Alabama, where Retha’s husband, Ace, was stationed at Craig Air Force Base. When Ace asked Wanda to fill in for a sick scorekeeper at a basketball game one night, Wanda’s life changed forever. That night she met Bob Archer, a young airman, the star of the basketball team for which Wanda was keeping score. Just one week later, Bob and Wanda were married, a marriage that would last 63 years! While in the Air Force, Wanda, Bob, and their two sons, traveled the world together (Japan, Alaska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, etc.), their last tour taking them to Dover, Delaware. While in Dover, Wanda began working at the Child Care Center on the base and eventually became its director, a position she held for nearly 15 years. Under Wanda’s leadership, the Child Care Center was awarded the title Best in United States Air Force! Miss Wanda’s positive impact was felt by thousands of children and their families during her long career at the Child Care Center. Wanda was a woman of deep Christian faith who spoke often of the miracles God had performed in her life. She saw God’s handiwork all around her, but mostly in the eyes of children. She was an avid cook, compiling a cookbook of her favorite recipes gathered from her family and friends through the years. She loved her home, enjoying being surrounded by collectibles gathered from her journeys with Bob. A perfect day for Wanda was one spent with family laughing over old times. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Wanda’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Wanda Archer

October 20, 1937 - April 26, 2024