Vernell Fordham Archer

Mrs. Vernell Fordham Archer, age 95, of Gadsden passed away Saturday, May 6, 2023. Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at East Gadsden Church of the Nazarene, 1214 Sizemore Street, Gadsden, AL 35903. Visitation will precede the service at the church from 1 pm until the hour of service. Rev. Daryl Randolph will officiate with burial to follow at Crestwood Cemetery.

Vernell was born to Lilla and Howard Fordham on November 9, 1927 in Lecta, AL and moved to Gadsden in 1939. She attended Glencoe Schools where she met her lifelong friend Doris Freeman. Vernell and Doris enjoyed many adventurous times throughout their friendship. Doris was dating James Leftwich, who introduced Dan Archer, Jr. to Vernell on July 9, 1946. She would marry Dan only four months later. Their marriage would bless them with five wonderful daughters, Pat (Bobby) Welch, Gail (Jim) Johnson, Debbie (Frazier) Bearden, Carol (Kenny) Hammonds and Donna (Kevin) Thomas.

Dan and Vernell worked to raise money to start and build East Gadsden Church of the Nazarene. They served the church their entire lives as Sunday school teacher, missionary president, treasurer and board member. They received the distinguished service award from East Gadsden Church of the Nazarene in 1983.

Vernell loved to travel. Traveling many many miles with their friends, James and Doris Leftwitch. Europe to revisit places James and Dan had trudged during World War II. Hawaii to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Many U S states and Canada. Legend says there was never a “crossword” spoken among the friends as they traveled.

She was a member of the Elliot Community Senior Citizens Group whom she traveled with her friend and sister-in-law, Audrey Archer. She enjoyed gardening, word puzzles, game shows, ROOK, spending time with her family, sleepovers with the great grandchildren, but most of all serving her church and her Savior Jesus Christ.

Dan would precede her in death in 1993, followed by Gail in 2006, Carol in 2007, son-in-law, Kevin Thomas, brother, Jimmy Fordham and special friends, Lula Davis and Dot Woodall Holaway

She is survived by her daughters, Pat, Debbie and Donna; grandchildren, Bobby Dale (Tracie) Welch, Deidra (Stephen) Holland, Bryan Bennett, Thad (Holly) Bennett, Autumn (Nick) Johnston, Tyler Bearden and Cassie (Andrew) Colvard; great grandchildren, Daniel and Dawson Welch, Parker (Genesis) and Conner Holland, Hally, Bodie, Maggy and Janny Bennett, Drew, Jayce, Trey and Allie Johnston, Alexis, McKynly, Jaelynn (Brantley) Colvard; sister-in-law, Shirley Fordham; several nieces and nephews; her church family and special friend, Betty Davis and countless others. She also loved and enjoyed the companionship of her beloved Poodle “Angel” for years.

Grandsons and grandsons-in-law will serve as pallbearers.

The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support. Especially the staff at Cherokee County Health Center, Gadsden Regional Medical Center ER and 7th floor staff, special friends, Linda Foster and Agaitha Byrdsong.

In lieu of flowers the family asks to continue her support to East Gadsden Church of the Nazarene. Donations may be sent to 1214 Sizemore Street, Gadsden, AL 35903.