Linda Lee (Griffin) Archer

If you knew Linda Archer, you knew two things: she wasn't going to sugarcoat the truth... and she definitely wasn't going to drink sweet tea.

Linda Lee Archer, 73, of Bryant, Arkansas, passed away on July 22, 2026. She was born on June 27, 1953, in Belleville, Illinois, to Kenneth Jack Griffin and Rosemary Louise Quinn Griffin, later Fitzpatrick. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth Jack Griffin and Rosemary Fitzpatrick, and is survived by her stepfather, Robert Fitzpatrick of Boston.

Linda is also survived by her three daughters, Rhiannon Goshien, Kristen (Matt) Phipps, and Jamie (Jonathan) Alexander; her grandchildren, Caitlyn Goshien, Willie (Amanda) Goshien, Austin Archer, Cara Phipps, Ethan Kelley, Ashlyn Phipps, and Madison Phipps; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Everlee, Tabias, and Raelynn. She also leaves behind her brother, Kenneth (Cheryl) Griffin of Sun Lakes, Arizona, and their son, Kevin Griffin.

Linda dedicated many years of service to the State of Arkansas's Department of Marketing and Redistribution before retiring. More than anything, though, her family was the center of her life.

To know Linda was to never really know what she was going to say next. She may not have always told people what they wanted to hear, but they never had to wonder where they stood with her. Although she spent most of her life in Arkansas, she never lost the spirit of her Illinois roots. She remained a Northerner at heart—from her unsweet tea to her unfiltered honesty. She proudly said exactly what was on her mind and never believed in sugarcoating the truth. She could make her family laugh, cringe, and shake their heads—sometimes all in the same sentence. She was wonderfully stubborn, unapologetically herself, and never one to follow the crowd.

Linda had a lifelong love of thriller novels, especially anything written by Stephen King. Her soundtrack was classic 1970’s classic rock, with Journey, Rolling Stones, and Fleetwood Mac at the top of the list. In fact, she loved Fleetwood Mac so much that she named her oldest daughter, Rhiannon, after the band's iconic song. If you asked Linda what her favorite things in life were, though, she probably would have smiled and answered, "A Coke and anything chocolate."

Life was not always easy for Linda. She experienced the heartbreaking loss of her father at a young age and faced many challenges throughout her life. Yet she persevered with determination, resilience, and a strength that carried her through even the most difficult seasons. Those experiences shaped her, but they never defined the love she had for her family. Her daughters knew her as someone they could always count on to be honest—whether they wanted the truth or not. They argued, laughed, rolled their eyes, and loved each other fiercely. No matter how a conversation ended, Linda always made sure her girls heard the words, "I love you."

Her family will especially miss the phone calls. Linda would call to tell someone about a commercial she had just seen, then call back two minutes later because she remembered one more thing she wanted to say. Somewhere along the way, the roles quietly reversed. The little conversations that once seemed so ordinary became some of life's most treasured moments. Looking back now, those calls were never really about the commercial or the forgotten thought—they were simply her way of staying connected to the people she loved.

In keeping with Linda's wishes, there will be no traditional funeral or memorial service. She chose cremation and asked that her immediate family gather together to share stories, laughter, and memories—the things she would have preferred over all the theatrics.

Linda lived life on her own terms. She was outspoken, resilient, unintentionally hilarious, fiercely independent, and deeply loved. She leaves behind countless stories and a family who will miss her more than words can say.

If Linda were writing this herself, she'd probably tell us not to make such a fuss. So we'll honor her the way she wanted—with stories, laughter, a Coke, something chocolate, and maybe a little Fleetwood Mac playing in the background.

And while we're at it, we'll make sure the tea is unsweet.

We love you too, Mom.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com