Joyce Anita Archer

MARCH 20, 1933 - JANUARY 30, 2026

Joyce Anita Archer, age 92, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on January 30, 2026, at Topeka Presbyterian Manor in Topeka, Kansas.

Joyce was born on March 20, 1933, in Sedalia, Missouri, the daughter of Paul J. and Genevieve H. Roberts. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Jerry (Brenda) Roberts and Mike (Barbara) Roberts.

A woman of deep faith, Joyce was a devoted member of First Southern Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. Here she found fellowship, strength, spiritual nourishment – and where she met her true love, Bob.

Joyce married Robert “Bob” Archer on June 24, 2004. He preceded her in death on May 4, 2019. Their marriage was a cherished chapter of Joyce’s life, marked by companionship and devotion. They loved sharing time together, whether it be performing in funny church skits, working side-by-side on church mission trips, or traveling to visit family and friends.

She was a devoted mother to her four children: Conni (Dennis) Ochs of St. Louis, Missouri; Craig (Nanette) Smith of Mesa, Arizona; Carole (Jeff) Woolfolk of Topeka, Kansas; and Rebecca (Dane) Folster of Salt Lake City, Utah. Joyce was also a loving second mother to her ‘spiritual’ daughter, Janice Turner.

Joyce took great joy in her role as a grandmother to Adam Woolfolk; Andy (Erica) Woolfolk; Melanie (Jeff) True; Paul Smith; Michelle (Grant) Carson; Sarah Folster, Landon Folster, and Lydia Folster.

She was blessed with five great-grandchildren – Porter, Lincoln, and McKenna True; Owen and Crosby Woolfolk – who were a constant source of happiness and pride. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews who will fondly remember her.

Through her marriage to Bob, Joyce came to adore his family; children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Her Christian faith guided her throughout her life and was evident in the love, kindness, and care she showed to her family and others. She especially treasured the little children she taught in junior church choir and preschool over the years. She used her deep passion for music to support and minister to others. For her own pleasure, she was also able to showcase her talents by performing in community theater. Her enduring love of music and theatre lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Joyce’s life Bible verse was Psalm 16:11: “You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.” She was a testament to love, faith, and family. While her presence here will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she is now at peace, resting in eternal life with her Savior. Her legacy of faith and love will continue through the generations she so dearly cherished.

A private memorial will be held at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice or Topeka Presbyterian Manor, Topeka, Kansas.

Joyce’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Topeka Presbyterian Manor and Midland Hospice of Topeka for the loving and compassionate care that she received.