Deborah Elizabeth McKenzie Archer

February 5, 2016

Deborah Elizabeth McKenzie Archer was born November 3, 1952, and passed away January 20, 2016. Deborah was preceded in death by her father, William H. ‘Bill’ McKenzie; stepfather, Henry Jackson Jr.; grandparents, AB and Annie Ruth McKenzie and JW and Clare Booth and special person in her life and family friend, Eunice Enfinger.

Deborah is survived by her mother, Peggy Booth Jackson; loving husband of 34 years, Lloyd Franklin ‘Frankie’ Archer; her “greatest accomplishment”, her son, Michael David Archer and future daughter-in-law, DeAndra Thomas. She is also survived by her brother, Michael (Mike “Red”) (Rose); and her sister, Lydia Smith (Doug). Michael blessed Deborah with two grandchildren, Layne and Chance. Deborah’s former daughter-in-law and Layne and Chance’s mother, Brandy Tyner, was a very special person in her life and became Deborah’s best friend and her and Frankie’s “adopted” daughter. Deborah is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Also left behind to grieve their loss are her fur babies, many cats because they knew where to go to get the best care and her river buddy, her Jack Russell, ‘Jack ‘.

Deborah was a lifetime member of Gonzalez United Methodist Church. She graduated from JM Tate High School, Class of 1970. Deborah worked for St Regis Paper Co. for five years and then finished her working career as a scalehouse operator for APAC Asphalt Co.

In 2004, Deborah unfortunately met cancer. After a very courageous battle, her strong will won out and she beat that disease for 12 years! She showed all of us how to put your mind to something and fight your way through. She had to do this not only with cancer but after also surviving a devastating car accident in 2008. In late 2015, cancer called again and she fought it with everything she had left.

Deborah had many interests but above all was her love for Frankie and Michael and being Grandma Deb to Layne and Chance. Next would have to be her love for the beach. There was no where she would rather be than lying on the sand or relaxing in the water. Water was her life. She would take Jack to the river every day just to be close to the water. If you knew her you probably saw her there. Her fur babies were her life as well. Cats, cats, and more cats. Never too many. If Frankie didn’t like cats when they met, he sure learned how to like them, quickly!

The family would like to thank Dr. Tan and the oncology groups at Sacred Heart Hospital, The Woodlands and West Florida Hospital. We would also like to extend a special thank you to a very dear friend to Frankie and Deborah, Gary Criswell. Our love for Deborah will remain everlasting. She will be forever missed and remembered by many.

A memorial service was held in Deborah’s honor on February 4, 2016, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.

Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.

Comments

3 Responses to “Deborah Elizabeth McKenzie Archer”

  1. 429SCJ on February 8th, 2016 6:43 am

    Lydia, Frankie I am saddened to learn of Deb’s passing.

    I remember her as a sweet lady, who cared for the feral cats and abandoned pets at the Fairgrounds. Her focus was her family and home, We are all going to miss her.
    My prayers and condolences in this sad time.

  2. Willene Wilson Bryan on February 7th, 2016 7:27 am

    Our sincere condolences to the family.

  3. Kimberly on February 6th, 2016 1:56 pm

    Our prayers go out to the Archer family. Deborah was the most courageous, kind and compassionate woman I’ve even met. There was no quit in her.
    We should all consider ourselves better people having known her. The world will surely be a little less bright without her.
    Rest in peace, Deborah…

Written by Jane · Filed Under Obituaries