Beverly Ann Holmes-Archer of Abaco, Bahamas, died Dec. 19, 2019, age 58.

Beverly Ann Holmes was born on Jan. 17, 1961, in St. Louis to Melvin Tommy and Shirley Ann Holmes. Beverly attended Kenwood High School in Chicago. She later decided to further her education at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where she graduated with a double Bachelor’s Degree. It was there that she would meet the love of her life, Emmit J. Archer ’83. Afterwards, Beverly pursued her Master’s Degree in Business and Economics at Florida A&M University, and continued her graduate studies a the University of South Florida.

While in graduate school, Beverly married Emmit on Feb. 22, 1986, in Tampa, Fla. After graduating, she moved to Abaco, Bahamas, with her husband. Three years later, they gave birth to their first daughter, Ashlea Anya, followed by Brittany Nicole in 1991, Joy Cierrea in 1993, and son, Joshua Sebastian in 1998.

Shortly after moving to Abaco, Beverly dedicated her life to service and ministry, and was ordained with her husband, as reverends in March 2000. Rev. Beverly truly loved the Lord with her whole heart. So much so that her faith did not waiver even after falling ill, giving God thanks until she went to meet her Father.

Beverly started her career in Scotia Bank in Abaco, Bahamas, as a loan officer and quickly gained the respect of her peers. She then got the opportunity to work in the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) where she would remain for 19 years until her retirement in July 2018. After retiring, Beverly devoted much of her time to ministry through New Beginnings Houshold of Faith in Abaco, Bahamas, where she served as the Co-Pastor until her passing. As time permitted, Beverly also enjoyed spending time with her family, travelling, reading and shopping.

Left to cherish her glorious memories are her mother, Mrs. Shirley Holmes; her husband, Rev. Emmit Archer ’83; children, Ashlea, Brittany, Joy and Joshua Archer; siblings, Darryl Holmes of South Dakota, and Virna Holmes-Hardy of Chicago; in-laws, Byron Hardy, Ryan and Victoria Archer, Glender and Keith Knowles, Angie and Sgt. Perkins Collie, Dr. Denise and Troy Sands, Renee Archer, Fabian and Maryann Archer; nephews, De’Andre Holmes, Deshawn Brown, Jerome, Warren, and Royce Archer, Kadren and Elkanah Knowles, Austin Collie and Joel Sands; nieces, De’Lecia Holmes, Chaundanique Archer, Keandra and Kettia Knowles, Faneisha Archer, and Perkell Collie; four grandnephews; seven grandnieces, the New Beginnings Household of Faith congregation and a host of loved ones and people positively impacted by her time with us. She will also be remembered by extended family as well as her puppy, affectionately known as Angel. Rev. Beverly was preceded in death by her father, Melvyn Holmes and brother, David Holmes.