Archie, Mary Lewis (Edits needed)
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Archie, Mary Lewis (Edits needed)
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Mary Lewis Archie (1926-2013) was a mother, Davidson College laundress of 47 years, and also worked at the Ada Jenkins Center as the snack coordinator located in Davidson, North Carolina.
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Born on January 16, 1926, Mary Lewis Archie grew up Cherylville, just north of Davidson, North Carolina. She attended the Davidson School for Colored Children.
In an interview, she noted that the college “represented a conflict for her between her memories as a kid of it being segregated from Black people.” Despite this, she found employment at Davidson College as a laundress and remained there for an impressive 47 years. She even gained recognition with "The Launderettes," a singing group she formed with colleagues. Mary married Robert Archie Sr. and together they raised five children. When asked about what she considered to be her major life's work, she responded, "To raise my kids in the right way, give them things I didn't have, teach them right from wrong, teach them honesty in work".
She also made significant contributions to her community. She worked as a snack coordinator for the After School Program at the Ada Jenkins Center, a vital resource center for families in the area. Her impact was so profound that a room at the center was dedicated to her, named the Mary Archie Room, and she was honored with "Mary Archie Day" by the mayor during the dedication ceremony.
Mary was not only a hardworking employee at Davidson College but also an active member of the community, participating in activities such as singing in the Presbyterian church choir. Her legacy as a loving and dedicated individual continues to inspire those who knew her.
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16 January 1926
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6 November 2013
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Ada Jenkins Center
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Ada Jenkins Center
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Ancestry Library
Cupani C. (2003). Mary Lewis Archie's.
https://public.davidson.edu/psychology/krmulthaup/reminiscencef03/marylewisarchie/maryhome .htm
Diane Means, Personal Communication, 2014
Find a Grave, database, and images
(https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/65519089/mary-archie: accessed March 14, 2024), memorial page for Mary Brawley Archie (16 Jan 1926–6 Nov 2013), Find a Grave Memorial ID
65519089, citing Christian Aid Society Cemetery, Davidson, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, USA; Maintained by JAMES E.SNYDER (contributor 47214013).
Lara Moody, Interview with Mary Lewis Archie—Subject: Ada Jenkins, February 27, 200
Position: 1338 (3 views)
