Shirley McKinney Archer, age 88 of Kingsport, passed on Monday, June 24, 2024. Shirley was born on February 25, 1936, in Jenkins, KY.  Shirley attended Dobyns Bennett High School where she played in the marching band and graduated with honors in 1954. Shirley met the love of her life, Buddy "BF" Archer, at Dobyns Bennett and they were married on July 18th, 1954. They were together for 73 years and married for 70 years. 

Shirley attended Nursing School at ETSU and graduated in 1976 at the top of her class. She spent the next 20 years working in the medical field, including running the ICU at Holston Valley Medical Center for 10 years. 

Shirley was an avid reader, a lover of classical music, an animal rights advocate, and enjoyed attending plays. She was a dedicated wife, mother to her two children, and grandmother to her granddaughter. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; and her daughter, Harriet Allyson Archer. She is survived by her loving husband, Buddy "BF" Archer; son, Kevin Archer; granddaughter, Dr. Mackynzie Archer; brother, Hugh Richard Grills and wife Teresa; sister, Ann Russell Lavender and husband Jeff; her daughter-in-law, Jaqueline Joseph and husband Mark; her loving dog Charlie Brown, and many loving nieces, nephews, and other family members.

It was Shirley's wish to be cremated, and there are no formal services scheduled at this time.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home Kingsport is serving the Archer family.