Frances Darling Blackstone Archer

Frances “Faye” Darling Blackstone Archer, 85, died Tuesday, May 10, 2011. She was born in Washington, D.C., March 22, 1926, to the late Camille and Bryant Darling. She was predeceased by her first husband, Joseph W. Blackstone with whom she had two children.

Faye worked as a secretary in the family business and at Bank of America. Her true joy was working in her yard to create a beautiful garden, and the company of good friends. Despite great physical difficulties in the last years, she never complained but stayed upbeat and engaged in an active life.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 23 years, Kenneth Nash Archer and loving children, J. Whitmel Blackstone and wife Shannon of Washington, N.C., and Gayle C. Blackstone of Norfolk, Va.; stepchildren, Kenny Archer and Linda Turner. Also surviving are her grandchildren Laura C. Blackstone of Philadelphia, Pa.; and Carl W. Blackstone and wife Mary Addison Blackstone of Columbia, S.C., and their four children: Mary Thomas, Frances, Margaret and Kate.

The family will receive friends at the H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel, 1501 Colonial Avenue in Norfolk on Saturday, May 14, 2011, between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the SPCA as she loved all animals. Online condolences may be offered to the family through hdoliver.com.

Paid Obituary