Shelia D. (Johnson) Archie

Family and friends, if you are reading my obituary, it means I have gone to be with the Lord. I know you may be sad, but please do not mourn me for long. I lived an amazing life, fought a good fight, and finished my course. My life’s story is not a sad one, but one of celebratory moments, so journey with me as I share the moments that made me Shelia.

On Thursday, December 18, 1958, Mrs. Clara Bell Colbert Johnson and Mr. Allen Johnson, Sr. welcomed a bouncing baby girl into the world. Together, they decided to name me Shelia Diane Johnson. At that time, I was welcomed by my older siblings, Diane Woods and Allen Johnson, Jr. Later, I got to experience the joy of being a big sister to my brother, Melvin Dillard. Initially, it was just the four of us siblings until my “baby brother,” Thurston “Bug” Barney, came along. I loved all my siblings; we had some exciting times and shared some great memories and secrets that will never be told.

Growing up, the love I had for my parents was indescribable. Mama was one of the strongest women I ever knew, and when she went to glory, it seemed as if a part of me left with her. My life was never the same afterward. I never called my father “daddy, pop, or dad”; I called him, Big Allen. Boy, oh boy, Big Allen, you taught me so much in my 65 years on Earth. I always cherished our bond, and I always knew that you loved me. 

When I was young, I attended grade school at Summertown Elementary and then transitioned to Swainsboro High School. I had a phenomenal high school experience, and I participated in everything I could, from cheerleading and track to cross country and many other extracurricular activities. I excelled in sports and won many athletic awards. I met new people and connected with family members I didn’t know I had. You see, I had an extremely large family, and everyone loved them some Shelia; without a doubt, I loved them right back. One being my cousin, Cora, who was more like a sister because of our closeness. Over the years, I had friends come and go, but there was something about Jackie Polan that clicked, and since childhood, we were the best of friends. Another Swainsboro High friendship blossomed when I met Annette May. She became one of my best friends because we are two of a kind. She did not care for many people, but she loved me, and our friendship never wavered. In 1976, my high school days ended, but the memories stayed with me forever. After graduating high school, I decided to attend Emanuel County Junior College. After a short stay there, I transferred to Georgia Southern University, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.

In July of 1982, I became an Archie, and Alexander, I thank you for that. As a result of our union, I became the mother of the most beautiful baby girl, whom we named, Alexandria Tunisha Archie, in June of 1983. After several family members could not pronounce her name correctly, we all decided to call her Zan. Zan, you were my backbone, and I always loved and appreciated you for that. In 1987, Zan became a big sister to my child that only I could manage. She was named by her father as I recovered from childbirth. He named her Brittany Romana Yvette Archie, and from the time we brought her home from the hospital, she kept us on our toes. Brittany, to know you, was to love you, and please know that I loved you very much.

In the fall after Brittany’s birth, I began working at Emanuel County Head Start in Oak Park, Georgia. I had the pleasure of teaching my very first class with Gertrude Ricks. I worked with some of the most wonderful ladies, including Adele G. Harrison, Alice Foots, Bernice Jones, and Terri Parrish to name a few. We had some great days along with Jimmy Rich, who drove us around until Michael Oglesby joined our team. Michael, or Mr. O as we called him, drove us everywhere we needed to go. While at Head Start, I had the pleasure of teaching my goddaughter, Camille, who always wanted me to pretend she was my only student, and for me, that was easy because I treated all my students like they were the apples of my eye. I worked at Head Start for many years and enjoyed every minute of it. While employed there, I received personal and professional blessings. In 2002, I welcomed my precious baby boy, Alexander Xavier Omarion D’iante’ Archie. We gave him the nickname, Zae. Zae, you are my miracle baby, and since you’ve been in this world, you have been my genius. Never change who you are, and never forget that I loved you. My professional blessing came when I was promoted from teacher to director, and I remained in that position until my retirement in 2010. I was blessed to have some great memories with some great people during those years.

To my children, as I’ve stated, I want you to know that my love for you now extends beyond the sky and into heaven. You were patient with me, and even when I disobeyed medical advice and orders, you knew to call my personal nurse, Annette, to get me back on track. Meanwhile, Cora, you defended me to the end, and I thank you for that.

On Friday, August 2nd, before the break of day, my mission here on Earth was completed. I fought as long and as hard as I could, but God needed me more. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at an early age as a member of Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church, so when my soul fled my earthly body, I joined my mother, Clara, and my siblings, Diane and Melvin for a heavenly reunion.

To mourn and celebrate my life, I leave my children: Alexandria T. Archie-Miley, Brittany Y. Archie, and Alexander “Zae” Archie of Midville, Georgia; Quantavious Harper and Desmond Archie of Swainsboro, Georgia; my compassionate supporter, Alexander B. Archie of Swainsboro, Georgia; my loving father, Allen Johnson, Sr. of Midville, Georgia; two brothers, Allen (Renee) Johnson, Jr. of Midville, Georgia, and Thurston (Rhonda) Barney of Swainsboro, Georgia; three sisters, Cora Brown of Cincinnati, Ohio, Annette May and Jackie Polan of Swainsboro, Georgia; my son-in-love, Thierry Miley of Pensacola, Florida; a goddaughter, Camille May of Swainsboro, Georgia; a devoted aunt, Mildred Colbert of Tampa, Florida; five sisters-in-law, Mae Ola Edwards, Roma (Ardrich) Marion, and Bevlon Archie of Swainsboro, Georgia; Betty Jean Sutton of Lexsy, Georgia, and Johnny Mae (Willie) Gordon of Stillmore, Georgia; five brothers-in-law, Deacon George (Sandra) Archie, Deacon Jimmy Lee (Mary Ann) Archie, Moses Archie, Patrick (Vanessa) Archie all of Swainsboro, Georgia, and Mitchell (Betty) Archie of Sharpsburg, Georgia; a devoted friend, Pecola Louis, whom I spoke with almost every day; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

So, as I stated, do not mourn me long, for I am at rest, you all loved me, but God loved me best.

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