Maureen Madlin Archer

Obituary For Maureen Madlin Archer

Maureen Madlin Archer was born on March 9th, 1982, to Bishop John T. Archer and Inell Louise Neilly-Archer, at Martin Memorial Hospital in Stuart Florida. She was the couple’s second child and only biological daughter. Maureen grew up in Fort Pierce and began her early education at Village Green Elementary School, in Port St Lucie, Florida. Later she attended Lincoln Park Academy (LPA), in Fort Pierce, Florida for both her middle and high school education.

At the dawn of the 21st Century, Maureen matriculated at Florida Agricultural and Mechanic University (FAMU), a Historically Black College in Tallahassee, Florida where she joined their accounting program. Maureen was zealous about her major and her college years and navigated this era with extreme pride and diligence. Maureen graduated from FAMU with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and with a deeper sense of purpose. Later, she attended and graduated from Keller Graduate School with a master’s degree in financial management.

Maureen attended 13th Street Church of God, Inc. “Greater Faith,” in Fort Pierce where her father, Bishop John T. Archer, was the Pastor. Maureen was raised in a Christian home where both of her parents were active leaders in the Church and its community. The Archer’s ministry reached far and wide as they were committed to the reconstruction of human lives, both their spiritual and material well-being.

Maureen’s father led by strong examples. Bishop Archer embraced the women of Restoration House as they ventured to rebuild their lives. He used this outreach ministry as part of his service to rebuild community and affirmed that these vulnerable lives mattered despite any circumstantial short or long-term lapses in judgment.

Reared by a strong father, Maureen also exhibited his strength. She knew who she was and carried herself in a very professional and dignified manner. Maureen was confident, competent, compassionate, classy, sassy, bold and beautiful. Unapologetic about doing things in decency and in order, Maureen was a woman soaring to new heights she was the essence of black beauty. The scriptures beckon us to train up a child in the way they should go, that when they are old, they won’t depart from it. Alongside Maureen’s strong father was a strong Christian mother. A woman who exhibited grace, humility, and an unwavering faith throughout her life. It appeared that she embodied the combined qualities and traits of her parents. Her take charge attitude was the tool and the apparatus which propelled her forward. At every juncture of her life, she defaulted to the wisdom of her parents, and she used their teachings and lessons to navigate through life’s journey and respond to the various circumstances and events in her life with the utmost courage, compassion, and dignity.

Upon completion of her studies, Maureen moved to Atlanta, where she began her early career. She was employed at Georgia Power and Light for several years. Maureen was on her way and doing very well. She had plans to settle down in Atlanta and make her life there. In 2008, Maureen’s dad fell ill. She wrestled with the choice between her career advancement and her family commitment. The choice of family was evident and so, it was no surprise when Maureen resigned from her job and moved back to Fort. Pierce to attend to her father medical needs. After her father went to his rest, Maureen returned to Atlanta to continue her career. She would return to Fort. Pierce in 2014 to attend to her ailing mother. After a short illness, Maureen also laid her mom Inell to rest, but this time she did not return to Atlanta. Instead, she stayed locally in Fort. Pierce and began to rebuild her life back at the family’s stapled address 1506 Barcelona Ave, which had been the pioneer gateway to many family members and friends alike.

Later, she retained employment at The Source, in Vero Beach. At The Source, Maureen was doing phenomenal work. Maureen was the Assistant Executive Director, and it was her mission to actively involve herself in her community. Based on conversations she had, it appears that The Source and Maureen seem to be a good fit. She was very excited about the work she was doing there.

Although at times the schedule seemed overwhelming, she handled and managed it with much grace and fortitude. Last year Maureen, had an extensive travel schedule, it appeared that the Team at The Source Mission, travel around the country to fundraise with potential donors and in this respect, she boasted about the satisfaction this work had bought to her life. Maureen was the co-founder of many of The Source initiatives including but not limited to the Dignity Food Truck, the Dignity Bus, which provides 7,300 safe sleeps per year. She also spearheaded the conception of the Dignity Village which promises to offer work, home, dining, and prayer in one spacious and self-contained 20-acre community within Indian River County.

It was no accident that Maureen found her vocation whilst employed at The Source. No doubt, Maureen seemed to find her niche there, resemblant of the model of compassion and caring witnessed by her parents. At The Source, she muscled up all the strength she had to ensure that the mission was exhibited every day of the week. Once asked a question of whether she was off for the holiday, she replied “No because homeless, do not take a holiday.” Those words were chilling as well as profound, and Maureen echoed, them with the uttermost conviction. Maureen’s employment at The Source, as the Assistant Executive Director had become more than a job to her but rather, a purpose.

She understood the assignment and not only lived into The Source’s Mission every day, helping some of the most vulnerable ones among us and ensuring that the dignity of humanity was displayed every day. In hindsight, it is evident that she was living into a model of compassion she had witnessed in her earlier years, when she had a front seat as she watched her father provide essential and necessary aid to the women of Restoration House- because their lives mattered as much as the project of dignity, she had envisioned for all the beneficiaries of the services provided at The Source.

Maureen was indeed her father’s daughter and before he transitioned, I am certain he had those glimpses, of what a phenomenal woman she would become.

Throughout her youth, her dad had insisted that she be an independent woman and build the skills to take care of herself and most of all, empower others. Maureen learned to be compassionate, competent and make intelligent life choices. She was brave, bold, and faithful to God. There is no doubt Maureen answered that call. She understood the assignment and complexities of life at multiple levels, and, despite the odds, she excelled.

There is no doubt that Maureen lived her life in color. From her audacious style to her manicured presentation, she lived life fully regaled. She dressed for every occasion with class and dignity.

After what seems to be a brief and productive 39 years, Maureen Madlin Archer, transitioned into the presence of her Lord on January 24th, 2022. She bided us farewell for another city whose builder and maker is God. Maureen now rests in the presence with God and the angels among whom are her beloved parents Bishop John T. and Mother Inell Archer. Maureen will be sorely missed on this side of the vineyard, for her commitment to family and friends and the vulnerable community at large.

Public visitation for Maureen Archer will take place on Friday, February 18, 2022 from 3:00pm-7:00pm at Stone Brothers Funeral Home in Fort Pierce, FL. A Memorial Service in her honor will also take place on Friday, February 18, 2022 from 6:00pm-7:30pm at 13th Street Church of God in Fort Pierce, FL. Funeral services will convene on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 13th Street Church of God in Fort Pierce, FL beginning at 11:00am. Burial will immediately follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

Although many venues have opened and the restrictions of COVID-19 have been relaxed, we at Stone Brothers Funeral Homes are still enforcing the guidelines set forth by the CDC and FDOH to protect our families and our staff. We ask that you respect this, as it could very well save your life. We also ask that you acknowledge and execute the 6 feet social distancing guidelines as well.