Oeatha Archie, Jr

Elder Archie’s Last Message He Prepared for:

Titus 3:4-5—But when the kindness and the love of God, our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done but according of His mercy He saved us through the washing regeneration and renewing of His Holy Spirit.

One of His Favorite Scriptures he lived by everyday:

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” ~II Timothy 4:2

Elder Oeatha Archie, Jr. was born on February 11, 1949 in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Oeatha Archie, Sr. and the late Majorie Archie.  He departed his earthly vessel, to be with the Lord, on Sunday, January 7, 2018.

Growing up, Elder Archie worked at various churches with his father, whom labored many years.  Under the leadership of the late Bishop Jasper Roby, he received the gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance at the 17th Street AOH Church of God.  He continued his service in the Lord under his leader even at AOH Cathedral.

As a Servant of the Lord:

Elder Archie served as a choir member, Deacon, Usher, Sunday School Teacher and also in the Malindette Choir on broadcast at the 17th Street AOH Cathedral.  As God saw fit, he then moved his membership to the Hudson City AOH Church of God family, under the leadership of the late Overseer Nathaniel Lee and the late Mother Edwina Lee.  He continued to serve as a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent until God called him to minister.  Upon accepting his calling, Elder Archie was already sounding the alarm to all of God’s people and sinners, telling the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  He did not cease to do as the Lord commanded in Isaiah 58:1, to “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.”

Elder Archie was a true, committed and loving man of God who did not mind telling the truth and speaking what thus saith the Lord.  He served many years under the late Overseer Nathaniel Lee and helped reached the main goal his leader was all about, SOULS!

In May 2007, Elder Oetha Archie, Jr. was appointed to pastor at St. James Memorial AOH Church of God in Anniston, Alabama where he lead his sheep until the day of his departure.  His heart for God, the church and his family was genuine and pure.  He truly loved his members he pastured and the 28th District.  He would constantly say that he truly enjoy being under his Bishop, Johnny L. Woods, and his Overseer, Shirley Johnson.  He did not mind making known that they weren’t just his church family, they are family.

As a Family Man:

On April 26, 1971, Elder Archie married the love of his life, his Queen, Mother Ernestine Yvonne Garth-Archie.  They were married for 46 years.  Upon this blessed union, they gained four children, Oeatha Archie, III, Sonya Develma Archie, Cynthia Yvonne Archie and Latasha Michelle Archie-Morris; and four beautiful grandchildren, DeQuan Swanson, KaDarius De’Shaun Davis, Kayla Nicole Taylor and Cymiriah Jamichael McCaskey.

He always taught his family to love the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path in this journey of life and to stick with the church and the Apostolic Doctrine.

Elder Archie was a very hard working man.  He worked numerous years, before working at Mason Corporation for thirty-six years until his retirement, to provide for his family.  He was a great provider, encourager, husband, father and grandfather who truly loved his family and always wanted to see them happy.

His Determination: 

Even being of an older age, Elder Archie did not stop gaining knowledge.  He stressed to all of his children, Godchildren, and others that he mentored, that education is key, to always get your education and never stop.  He taught them to be determined, no matter what and trust God every step of the way.  He also took upon his own words and went back to school to further his education in Theology.  He attended the Southern Christian College and Birmingham Easonian Bible College, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies.

Elder Oeatha Archie, Jr. was no stranger to anyone he met.  Anywhere he went, he will strike a conversation and will talk for hours, speaking God’s Word and giving life lessons.  His love, dedication, encouraging words of wisdom and laughter will be greatly missed.

He leaves to cherish:  his lovely and devoted wife of 46 years, Ernestine Y. Archie; a son, Oeatha “Pooney” Archie, III of Atmore, Alabama; daughters, Sonya D. Archie, Cynthia Y. Archie and Latasha M. Morris, all of Birmingham, AL; one adopted daughter, Kimberly Johnson; four grandchildren, DeQuan Swanson, KaDarius Davis, Kayla Taylor and Cymiriah McCaskey; one brother, Melvin (Patricia) Archie; one sister, Coyester (James) Robinson, both of Birmingham, AL; one Godson, Justin Gilmore; a host of others he loved as his own kids, Shemeika Perry, Zaporah Snow, Joshun Snow, Kristie Beal-Gulley, Latanya Flanagan, Rory and Donald Gill, Mary Newell, Jessica Lampkin, Shaveh Curry, Shalisa Curry-Stewart, Eliza Davis, Marianna Gray, Shayla Pittman-Dixon and Kandayce Williams; a host of close friends, Overseer and Lady Veronica Chamblee, Elder Samuel Carter, Sister Faye Baldwin, Sarah and Robert Gilmore, Brother Cornell Myrick, Reverend Rodrick Jones, Elder Harry and Lady Roberta Fox, Reverend Barbara May, Brother Fenard Taylor, Reverend Curtis Lee, Bishop Grover Smith, Mother Ada Lee and Family, Elder Lester Wallace, the entire Lee family and the entire Twenty-eighth District of the AOH Church of God body; one Godmother, Ms. Mamie Wallace; a host of nieces, nephews, neighbors and associates.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Oeatha Archie, Sr. and Majorie Archie; his step mom, Mazarella “Dear” Archie; his best friends, Overseer Nathaniel Lee and Overseer Alphonso Anthony.

 Service Information