Odessa Archer's Obituary
Odessa Torrence Archer, 93, went home to her heavenly father on October 3, 2025. A North Carolina native, she was born December 22, 1931, and grew up on Main Street in Davidson, just a few doors down from the beloved church she attended her whole life – Davidson United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her three children: Richard Gregory Archer and his wife, Betty, of Concord; Ronald Lee Archer of Huntersville; and Susan Patricia Archer of Huntersville. In addition, she is survived by five grandchildren: Richard Archer, Jr. and his wife, Rosemary, of Kannapolis; Allan Archer and William Archer, of Mooresville; D.J. Gates, of Rock Hill; and Lilly Gates of Charlotte. She was blessed with three great-grandchildren: Ella Rose Miller, Kalila June Archer and Nina Odell; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, Jack Withers Archer; parents, Conrad Graham Torrence and Rosa Lee Gant Torrence; and sisters, Bettie Torrence Smith and Elizabeth Torrence Alexander.
Odessa grew up in Davidson, the oldest of three sisters. She was Valedictorian of her high school class and graduated from the Woman’s College of UNC Greensboro studying accounting. She married her high school sweetheart, Jack Archer at Davidson U.M.C. on August 12, 1951.
Odessa was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor. Her greatest joys were her family and her church. Odessa loved decorating and construction. She and Jack built several houses together in Hickory and completely remodeled Odessa’s childhood home in Davidson. She would often redraw the plans to reflect her vision. Odessa also expressed her love by cooking for her family. She and Jack would have large gatherings at their house after church on Sunday.
Her children would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Arbor Ridge at Huntersville, Amada Senior Care and Via Hospice of Charlotte who lovingly took care of Odessa.
A graveside celebration of Odessa's life for family and friends is to be held at Mimosa Cemetery on South Street in Davidson on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Jim Humphries officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Senior Ministries, Davidson U.M.C., P.O. Box 718, Davidson, NC 28036.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
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