The gospel fraternity and members of the Grace Thrillers, in particular, are mourning the death of Patricia Archer, who died on Saturday, July 18.
Archer was a part of the original group for several years, making her impact on some of the group’s most popular songs.
Leroy Smith, a member of the Grace Thrillers, said Archer made a big impact during her years. He said she had a jovial personality; she was decent and fun-loving, but when it came to ministry, she was serious.
“Because we know this isn’t playing time now,” Smith said of her attitude and the group as a whole.
“Everybody knows Patricia for that particular song, ‘God Is,’ Smith shared.
Among the songs she has recorded with the Grace Thrillers were Til The Storm Passes By, Lead Me to Calvary, Shady Green Pastures, Teardrops, Just Because You Are and Oh It Is Jesus.
Patricia was born in Hanover on July 8, 1965, but she grew up in Montego Bay.
Recalling their last interaction, Smith said it was earlier this year he met with her before she returned to Jamaica for her mother’s funeral. They had dialogue while she was in Jamaica.
Prior to her passing Smith said he tried reaching out to her and did not get any response.
“I tried again; still didn’t hear anything. But then comes her birthday, which was July 8. I would have sent her a song and a text message, and I did not hear her,” Smith shared with Freedom Come Rain.
He is now surmising that she might have been battling illness at that time. He said former singer Shirley Willis also reached out to him, saying she was trying to contact her and not getting through, and when he heard from her, it was then he shared with her that the same thing was happening to him.
Smith, reacting to her death, said, “It has been rough,” as he shared that it has been years of togetherness.
In addition to singing with the Grace Thrillers, Archer did collabs and a single entitled ‘I Love Him’.
