Joseph W. Archie, Jr.

Joseph William Andrew Archie Jr.

Joseph William Andrew Archie Jr., affectionately called Joe-Joe, by his mother & father, Joe to those who knew him well, and “Part Time” to his Chrysler Co-workers, was born on June 20, 1944, at Thomas Corner in Odessa, Delaware. He was the son of the late Joseph William Andrew Archie, Sr. and Helen Rebecca Archie.

Joseph gained his wings at the Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware on May 9, 2025, while surrounded by his family leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, laughter, and love.

Joe was educated in the public schools of Middletown, Delaware at Louis L. Redding. He was drafted into the United States Army but was reprieved due to the birth of his daughter. As a result of his reprieve, he became employed as a farmer for Corbit Collins in Odessa, Delaware where he worked diligently.

On August 20, 1965, he married his childhood sweetheart Jean Bernadette Archie. God blessed this union with a daughter, Gwendolyn T. Henry and a son, Joseph W.A. Archie III. Joe loved his children, and it certainly was obvious as he shared details about their lives. He raised his kids to love God and to work wholeheartedly unto the Lord. His love for his children was then later extended to his granddaughters, great granddaughter, and his great, great grandson (Tiffani Henry, Niyah Thomas, Taylor Henry, and Dakota Henry). He was a man of few words but when he spoke, his children, great grandchildren and great grandchild listened. His words of wisdom and love will always be remembered and cherished.

Joe’s aspiration to provide for his family led to his job acceptance at Chrysler Automotive in Newark, Delaware where he worked faithfully for 30 years. His faithfulness and dedication were often noted because of his perfect attendance during those years.

After his retirement he worked for W.L. Gore and Associates for a total of 6 years where he also worked faithfully with perfect attendance. His hard work did not end after his 6 years at Gore. He later became an employee of Valor Services, working for his son-in- law, Derek Henry, where he also worked faithfully for 7 years with perfect attendance.

Joe loved to gather on special holidays to have lunch or dinner with his children and grandchildren. These special holidays and birthday celebrations would include blue crabs as the highlight of the celebration if they were in season.

Joe’s relationship with God started at a very early age because of the teaching of his mother & father, Helen Archie & Joseph William Andrew Archie, Sr. His mother would often ask the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to sit still during the time of major storms. It was at this time that she would share about the GOODNESS OF GOD! When she would play the organ in her home and sing songs she would also sing about THE GOODNESS OF GOD! Joe followed in those footsteps and did the same for his offspring.

Joe became a member of Dale Memorial United Methodist Church on April 2004. The Lord touched his heart when his granddaughter (Niyah Thomas) was singing with the Dale Youth Choir. He was a member of the M.OT. Male Choir, and the Dale Choir, and a recent member of the Dale Unity Choir. It should not go without mentioning that Joe was a faithful officer of the Dale Trustees & SPRC where he served for numerous years. He loved attending the church grounds, and he also had astounding love for the care of the church. He loved his church family and would do anything for them. He loved to sing with the choir and would be often seen pimping up the isle as a proud member of Dale. His love for the church and God was infectious and his brother, Robert Archie, and sisters Carolyn “Kate” Archie and Brenda Woodson decided to join Dale Memorial UMC as well. His heart was full!

Although Joe was a member of Dale Memorial United Methodist Church, he also loved Lee Haven United Methodist Church. He shared stories with his children about the Archie’s family history and their membership at Lee Haven United Methodist Church. 

His love of people in the community, both the young adults and the elderly, allowed him the opportunity to give back while utilizing his talents, gifts, and graces. He could fix anything that was broken or in need of fixing. He was a restorer of old bikes that he loved to modify and bless others who were without transportation. In his younger years, he loved riding his motorcycle, being in the van club, and taking his boat out for fishing or riding. He loved Goodwill and found many treasures there to fix or repair.

Joe was proceeded in death by his parents, the late Joseph W.A. Archie Sr. and Helen Rebecca Archie, his brothers James Archie, Robert Archie and Larry Archie, his sister, Carolyn “Kate” Williams and his dear aunt, Dora Archie for whom he cared for deeply. He has joined his lifelong friends James & Anna Cotton, Charlie & Mary Byard, and Leroy Duker.

Joe leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 59 years, Jean Archie, his daughter Gwendolyn T. Henry (son-in-law Derek Henry), his son Joseph W.A. Archie III (daughter-in- law, April Archie), granddaughters, Tiffani Henry and Niyah Thomas (grandson-in-law Auguste Thomas), great granddaughter Taylor Henry, great, great grandson Dakota Henry, sisters Deborah Pierce (Stanford Pierce), Helen Cook (Floyd Cook), Brenda Woodson, Patricia Archie and Annette Brady (Kevin Brady), brothers Philip Archie (Beverly) and Ronald Archie, and a host of loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He also leaves to cherish two cousins who were like his biological brothers: Wilson Haman III and Lawrence Berry Sr., a devoted Godson Oakley Brown Jr., Goddaughter Rochelle Sudler and devoted friend Delores Duker.