Melissa Kathleen Archer

Melissa Kathleen Archer, age 60, of Middlesboro, KY, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the UK Medical Center in Lexington, KY. She was born March 13, 1965, in Middlesboro, KY, the cherished daughter of Della Mae Chadwell and the late Harold Chadwell.

A devoted member of Millers Chapel Baptist Church in Middlesboro, Melissa embraced her Baptist faith with genuine devotion. She found great joy and fulfillment in teaching Vacation Bible School, where her kindness and enthusiasm deeply touched the children she instructed. Her passion extended beyond teaching to the creative arts, as she loved supporting and encouraging the making of arts and crafts within her community.

She is preceded in death by her father, Harold Chadwell; her mother and father-in-law, Jack Archer Jr. and Maxine Sharleen Warf Archer; sister, Darla Jean Gibson; and brother-in-law David Charles Archer.    

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Ronald Archer; sons, Mitchell Archer of Santa Rosa, CA and Brandon Lee (Kristen) Archer of New Tazewell, TN; mother, Della Mae Chadwell; brothers, Keith (Sharon) Gibson and Zeb (Kendra) Gibson; sister, Robin (Todd) Stotz; one grandchild, Declan Mason; special friends, Jim and Nancy Harris, Rachel Wyatt, Margie Wyatt, Sara Wyatt, Dennis and Jeanie Kessler of Prattville, AL, Bob and Deb Terry and family as well as a host of other family and friends.

Melissa’s legacy is one of warmth, faith, and creativity, a true testament to a life beautifully lived. Her spirit will remain in our hearts forever.

The family of Melissa Archer will receive friends on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel, Middlesboro, KY.  Funeral services will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Travis Thompson and Rev. Bob Terry presiding.  Music will be provided by the Terry Family Singers.  

Interment will be private.  

Online condolences and register book are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Melissa Kathleen Archer are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.