Brenda Parker Archer passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Reston Hospital, Reston, VA. Born on April 28, 1945 in Kelford, NC, Brenda was affectionately known as “Sissy” to her family and friends. She was the daughter of the late Alma and Carlisle Parker.

She grew up on a working farm in eastern NC in an area known as “Tobacco Road”. She and her siblings worked on the farm in the summer and after school in the tobacco process, picking cotton and stacking peanuts.

After graduating from high school, she married her lifelong love, Kenneth Archer. They had two daughters, Wendy and Jennifer and eventually built a home on the Archer family’s farm outside of Jackson. While a homemaker, she sewed, canned and became involved in crafts. She was such a good seamstress that she made Barbie doll clothes for her daughters and others. She and Kenneth had a garden and Brenda canned food with one of her specialties being homemade sweet pickles. There was a big demand for her pickles from her family and others as they enhanced so many things. Eventually, she joined the workforce, going to the local community college and made a career as a teacher’s assistant at Squire Elementary School in Gaston, NC and retired in 2006.

Brenda was preceded in death by her loving husband, Kenneth of 61 years in 2025. She is survived by her two daughters, Wendy Pierce (Jimmy), South Riding, VA and Jennifer Downs (Brian), Locust Grove, VA; and her grandsons, Dalton and Tyler. She also leaves behind her sister, Linda Owens, Falls Church, VA; brothers, Gene Parker (Jean), Gray Court, SC, Billy Parker (Cheryl), Virginia Beach, VA; sister-in-law, Kay Smith, Rich Square, NC; and a host of nieces and nephews and very special friends, Anita Bennett (Jarman) and Sharon Parrish (Billy) of Roanoke Rapids, NC.

The family will receive friends and family on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Askew Funeral Services in Jackson, NC.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at the Archer Family Cemetery, Jackson, NC with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.

Flowers will be accepted or a memorial may be made to the American Cancer Society or charity of your choice.