Evelyn Archer, M.D., born February 11, 1958, died on December 11, 2013. She is survived by her two precious children: Bruce Archer, age 16, and Annie Archer, age 15.

Evelyn was graduated from Tascosa High School in 1976 as valedictorian of her class. Evelyn was also a state champion swimmer during that time. In 1976, she set the pool record at the Maverick Boys Club for the fastest female time in the 500 free-style, which was unsurpassed at the time the pool was finally closed two years ago. She went on to The University of Texas in Austin, where she was graduated magna cum laude in the field of electrical engineering. After graduation, she attended Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and received her medical degree in 1985. She completed her training in Madison, Wisconsin as a dermatology resident and was board certified in dermatology in 1990.

Evelyn was an amazing woman of great intelligence and sensitivity. She lived her entire life, both privately and publicly, working hard to maintain the highest standards of quality and integrity in everything she did. She practiced dermatology in Amarillo, Texas with her sister Elizabeth Archer, M.D., for many years. After Elizabeth’s untimely death in 2009, Evelyn continued to practice dermatology, and worked up until 2 months before her own death. Evelyn’s stoicism and strength of character allowed her to continue practicing medicine despite numerous rounds of chemotherapy, multiple bone fractures, tests and transfusions, in addition to all of the other vicissitudes of living with breast cancer. On her way to work every single day, Evelyn contemplated on what a great honor and privilege it was to be allowed to practice dermatology and to take care of the needs of others. She was strong, selfless, energetic, and independent her entire life. She was devoted to the care of others, and in return was loved and cherished by all. For those who knew her best, Evelyn was a paragon of virtue, but she also had a sly sense of humor, and she loved to laugh. She found joy in the smallest pleasures in life, and she lived every day to the fullest. Her persistence and dedication were legendary!

The two most important people in Evelyn’s life were Bruce and Annie. After Evelyn became ill in 2002, she was motivated to keep moving forward, and stay engaged in a full productive life, by her desire to raise her children and provide for Bruce and Annie. Leaving them was the most heart wrenching challenge of her lifetime, and was the source of her deepest sorrow and regret. She loved them with all of her heart and soul. Her innermost sincere wish is for them to continue with their own educations and find lives of success and happiness based upon the values that she endeavored to instill in them.

Evelyn would like to express her unending gratitude to all of the people who helped her throughout her life. She is especially thankful for her parents and her many siblings for their love, support, generosity and care giving. She wanted to express her enormous gratitude to her parents who continued to take care of her and look out for her for 55 years. They were instrumental in insuring that she got an education that allowed her to support her own children up until her own demise. She felt an enormous debt of gratitude for her brother Branch and his wife Carajean who have taken over the role of parenting Bruce and Annie. 

Amarillo Globe-News, Dec. 13, 2013