Louise Archer

Mrs. Louise Archer, age 91, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2014 at The Oaks at Woodfield-Grand Blanc, MI. Family hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 7, 2014 at Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 721 Johnson Street, with funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Roderick Smith, Host Pastor. Dr. Richard Murphy will officiate with interment in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery. Mrs. Archer will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd. in Flint, MI, and may be viewed from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Mrs. Archer will also lie in state at the Evans and Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave. in Saginaw, MI, and may be viewed from 12 noon until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, with the family present from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. Ms. Louise E. Archer was born on May 9, 1922 in Eudora, Arkansas, the second child born to the late Lula King and Sterling Hawkins, Sr. Louise attended school in Natchez, Mississippi, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Arkansas State University. She was an Elementary Teacher in Arkansas and Louisiana before relocating to Saginaw, Michigan in 1947. Not long after moving to Saginaw, she became the first African-American cashier in the city. In 1952, Louise began working for the city of Saginaw as its first African-American Recreation Supervisor. Additionally, she completed graduate coursework at Michigan State University in music, voice and art as well as recreation administration. In 1976, when the City of Saginaw opened its new Civitan Recreation Center, the Civitan Club paid special tribute to Louise in honor of the services she rendered to the youth of Saginaw. She retired as the senior citizens’ activities coordinator in 1982. Louise also served as a Senior Musician at Zion Missionary Baptist Church for 55 years, making her the longest tenured musician in the denomination in the Saginaw area. While at Zion, she partnered with several other members to create the Male Chorus and the Gospel Chorus. In addition to her professional achievements, Louise has been active in a number of civic and professional organizations, including the American Business Women’s Association, the Board of Housing Appeals, Nomads Inc., the Young Women’s Christian Association Board of Directors, the Gospel Music Workshops of America, NAACP, Big Sisters of America, Michigan Recreation Association, and the Association of Health and Physical Education. Louise sacrificed her time and energy to ensure that Saginaw citizens received educational and recreational enrichment to promote good mental and physical health. She was never too busy to help anyone. On countless occasions she served as a mentor to young people. In fact, her encouragement and support influenced many to succeed in school, pursue a college education and become students of music. Louise’s dedication to helping others is a true testament of how one life can influence so many. Mrs. Archer leaves to cherish her memory: 2 daughters, Peeti Greene of Grand Blanc, MI and Audrey McKandes of Saginaw, MI; granddaughter, Chawn A. Greene-Farmer of Grand Blanc, MI; siblings, Charles (Olivia) Smith and Jon Evelyn Wettlin, both of Saginaw, MI; and a host of nieces and nephews. Mrs. Archer was preceded in death by her husband, Tillman Archer and brother, Sterling Hawkins.

Louise Archer

May 22, 1922 - February 2, 2014