Elnora Archie

It is because of the transition of the earthly body into a new spirit that we gather to give thanks for the life of Elnora Archie.

For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Elnora was born on April 29, 1935, in Turrell, Arkansas to Sherman and Johnella Oglesby.  At the age of 7 she came to Chicago, Illinois.  She was baptized in 1950 at First Baptist Church where Reverend Cornelius Lemon officiated as pastor.  She served as a Sunday School Teacher under his leadership.

Elnora graduated from the prestigious Lucy Flower Technical High School in 1954.  In high school, she perfected her precious gift as an amazing seamstress.  She would take a simple pattern from McCall’s and magically transform garments to mimic professionally tailored expensive Vogue fashions that could be sold at any boutique.

After graduating Elnora married Hiwatha “Red” Archie on January 29, 1955.  In this union, they had five children (3 girls and 2 boys).  Sadly, their oldest son died at a very tender age as a toddler.  Their marriage continued for 29 years until Hiwatha’s passing on January 9, 1984.

Elnora worked at B. Kuppenheimer & Company from 1954-1955 and Hart Schaffner & Marx 1956-1958 where she made men’s tuxedos at both establishments.  She had an unrelenting passion for being a seamstress.  Elnora made special occasions dresses for church, birthday parties, luncheons, proms, and graduations for each of her three daughters.   She also made the beautiful wedding veil for her daughter’s wedding as the “mother’s gift”.   Elnora also was asked and volunteered to make various uniforms for the children’s groups at First Baptist Institutional Church.

Continuing over the years, Elnora worked at Leaf Brand Candy Company 1964-68 making candy on the Westside of Chicago.  She worked for Chicago Public Schools as a lunchroom attendant and retired as a cook at Walt Disney Grammar School (1973-1998).  She learned how to make those wonderful “Old School Butter Cookies”.  She was always willing to give others the recipe.  Elnora wanted everyone to taste the cookies and enjoy the flavor.  It brought wonderful memories to her to see people smile when they had them in their hands or when they were eating them.

Elnora also mastered the crochet hook.  Her talents were well recognized throughout Stroger Hospital as she made mask holders for the medial staff in 2020.  Additionally, she crocheted baby booties for many years that were given to Anidaso Health who distributed them in Ghana at orphanages, local health facilities, communities, etc. (https://anidasohealth.org/Akwaaba.html). These are just a few examples that exemplify Elnora’s generosity and ongoing community engagement.

Throughout the decades, Elnora was a devoted member of the First Baptist Institutional Church where she married, raised her children, and cherished the word of God most of her life.  She proudly served on the Mothers’ Board in her final years.

Elnora was an avid learner.  She watched Jeopardy every day and could solve Jeopardy clues with the snap of a finger.  After retirement, Elnora traveled a lot with family and friends.  She loved traveling and was given the nickname of “Ms. International”.  She was known for her warm heart and RICH LAUGHTER.  There are so many stories that can be told about her infectious laugh, warm and kind heart.  She loved gardening strawberries and peach trees, creating good meals, crocheting, and telling great stories around the kitchen table about “days of past”.

Elnora made her quiet transition on Saturday, January 8, 2022.  Her son, Terrence preceded her in death on August 4, 2020, and her granddaughter, Brittany many years earlier.

Elnora leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life three daughters, Lonia (Robert) Lee, Adrienne (Larry) Cleveland, and Marquita (Anthony) Fudge; granddaughters, Lauren Cleveland, and LaSonya Archie, and Shannon Archie; three great-grandchildren, Briannah Watts, Jakob Archie, and Kaleb Archie; a grand god-daughter, Ticina Williams, and her two children, Nehemiah and Aniyah Williams; two sisters, Inez O. Banks, and Johnnie Mae Oglesby; and a brother, Robert Earl (Geraldine) Oglesby; and a host of affectionate nieces and nephews, cousins, other family, and caring friends.

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Jovita Banks-Robinson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

https://www.wallacebroadview.com/obituary/Elnora-Archie

Topic: Elnora Archie - Homegoing Celebration

Time: Jan 19, 2022 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

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