Carolyn "Cookie" Archie was a quiet force to be reckoned with, exuding warm integrity and cool determination throughout her life. Surrounded by love and family, Carolyn passed away at age 83 on June 27, 2026, at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in her hometown of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Ella Ruth Archie; brother Richard Archie; and sisters Velma A. Fields and Conita A. Hunt. She is survived by brothers Edwin, F. Bernard (Diane), and Charles "Terry" (Yvonne) Archie III; sisters Marvis Jean Johnson and Elvita (Rev. Dr. James) Hunt; daughters Cassandra Brown and Dr. Carol (Dr. Rodney) Alan; sons Cedric, Chris (Jacki), and Corey (Geni) Brown; grandchildren Jasmin, Rita, Miles, Ella, Anna, Sydney, Zachary, Brooklyn, and Gigi; as well as a cherished extended family and community.

Born March 24, 1943, Carolyn was the third of nine children and the eldest daughter. A proud 1961 graduate of Atkins High School, there she excelled academically, musically as the first girl in the jazz band, and in student leadership. But she truly shined on the tennis court as a two-time state champion, American Tennis Association national junior champion, and the ATA girl's singles No.1 rank. In 1960, she trained alongside a young Arthur Ashe at Dr. Robert Walter Johnson's elite summer camp. She and sister Marvis Jean became the first women inducted into the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Sports Hall of Fame in 1985. She received a 2025 Lash Southern Award from Winston-Salem Professional Tennis Inc. for her community legacy.

A first-generation college graduate of Winston-Salem State University, Carolyn joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, headed the Student Nurses Association, and was crowned 1964 homecoming queen. She spent nearly 40 years at Baptist Hospital—including groundbreaking work as the first Black registered nurse in the pediatric ICU—before continuing her care at Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency. She and sister Velma were enthusiastic members of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., a professional organization of registered and student nurses across the U.S.

Deeply rooted in her Christian faith, Carolyn served as a Deacon, on the Board of Christian Education, and Chapel Choir member at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church. Carolyn was also an active participant in Atkins Class of 1961 Reunion planning committees, and served on occasion in a similar capacity with Winston-Salem State alumni.

By her own admission, mothering and mentoring her five children remained her proudest achievement. Her regal, warm, and wise presence will be deeply missed.

Memorial donations may be made to piedmonthealthservices.org or kimberlyparktennis.org .

Funeral service for Ms. Archie will be held at 12 Noon on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. Ms. Archie may be publicly viewed Tuesday, July 7, 2026 from 12PM ~ 6PM.