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Francis Artis Obituary
She was born April 22, 1944, to the late Viola Wyche and Langston Artis. Ms. Artis attended the Peabody High School and retired from Defense General Supply Center as a computer assistant. Family and friends knew her to be a hard working, dependable, committed individual in whatever she did. She was very articulate and a self-starter, possessing the charisma to get everyone involved in projects. She sought perfection and accepted nothing less than the best in whatever she performed. One of her largest assets was her ability to motivate others, not by telling others how to do what is expected, but by her performance.
She is preceded in death by a devoted nephew, the Rev. Dr. Rodney B. Pulliam Sr.
She leaves to cherish her memories two brothers, Langston Artis Jr. (Lutie) and Eddie Artis (Sharon); one sister, Minnie S. Hester; three devoted nephews, Mack D. Pulliam Jr. (Rene), Glen K. Pulliam and Trevon Pulliam; four nieces, Markita Smith, Jasmine Pulliam, Glenisha Pulliam and Chante Anderson; three aunts, Chassie Chambliss, Lottie Taylor (Daniel) and Catherine Greene; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A funeral service will be held at noon Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008, at the chapel of William N. Bland and Son Funeral Home, Petersburg, with the Rev. Carroll Robb officiating. The interment will be held at Dinwiddie Memorial Park, Dinwiddie. A wake will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday.
Services have been entrusted to the staff of William N. Bland and Son Funeral Home, now serving from three locations, 732-7841; www.blandenterprisesinc.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francis Artis
Cynthia (Cookie) Graves
October 11, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there are no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you.... in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night..."My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented.... that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.
Deandra Young
October 11, 2008
My prayer goes out to the family of Loize. I remember when I use to go to her house and she alway treated you like a child of hers, she was so caring and a loving person she aways was there to listen to anything that you were going through. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family May God Bless you and alway remember God knows best.
Ruth Gibbs
October 10, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God comfort and protect you all.
With love,
Ruth (Dolly) Gibbs and Earlene Hope
Sisters of Mary Parham.
Mary Hannon
October 10, 2008
To the family of Francis L. Artis. I was very sadden to learn about the death of Francis. I had the pleasure of working with Francis at Petersburg School Transporation.She was a loving and careing Person.Keep the faith and hold on to God hand. I will keep the family in prayer
jackie e. brown
October 10, 2008
my thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. from jackie and son cornel.
virginia jones
October 8, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
BIONCA
October 8, 2008
Touch My Soul
I know that You are always here,Watching over me.On days when struggles come my way,Your strength will protect me.But in my heart I feel so lost,So confused and afraid.I don't know why my hope is gone,With me I know You've stayed.The joy and peace You fill me with,Is hard for me to see.I feel such sadness fill my soul,It's taking over me.There is a raging fight in me,I'm starting to feel beat.The evil one is hard at work,I'm feeling O so weak.I won't let Satan rule my life,I will not let him win.I need Your help Lord, rescue me,Please take away this sin.Please fight this battle for me Lord,And send him far away.Then give me all the strength I need,To fight him off each day.I am unworthy of Your love, Your mercy and Your grace.I don't deserve to be Your child,Or feel Your sweet embrace.But when I'm weak and loose my way,My eyes so filled with tears.Please reach down and touch my soul,And show me that You're near.I know that I will fall again,So keep reminding me.To hold on tight and not let go,When struggles come to me.Help me to never turn from You,Fill me with desire.To love You Lord with all my heart,Set my heart on fire.You are my strength when I am weak,You help me carry on.You are my friend through good and bad,Though others may be gone.You are my eyes when I can't see,You turn my life around.You are my feet when I can't walk,I'm safe on level ground.Thank-you Lord for the air I breathe,You're the reason I live.All my days I'll offer You praise,My all to You I give.
DENISE
October 8, 2008
Healing Touch
O Father here I am hurting again,I come before you now.I can't go on with all this pain,I just don't know how.My days are gray, filled with despair,I'm lost and afraid.I know You are here yet my faith is weak,I know I haven't obeyed.I know that I should follow You,Each and every day.I know You'll help me get through this,If I bow down and pray.But Lord I feel so lost right now,I don't know how to try.I don't know how to come to You,When all I do is cry.I know that Satan is laughing at me,I can hear it loud and clear.I know that he will not give up,Until I live in fear.He's trying hard to turn me from You,But Lord I won't let him win.Please help me fight him off again,Then take away all my sin.O Father I feel You back beside me,I feel Your healing touch.Your hope is filling up my soul,With love I need so much.I know that You never left my side,It's me; I wandered away.But now I'm back in the place I should be,With You is where I'll stay.I'll always need You here with me,I can't live on my own.I need to feel Your loving arms,So I don't feel alone.Please O Lord, give me Your strength,And cover me with love.Protect me from him and keep him away,And guide me from above.I know at times I'll stumble and fall,And I'll think You've left my side.But please remind me, when pain strikes again,From me You'll never hide.Help me have faith and keep trusting You,Even when I feel alone.Sometimes I don't feel You but help me believe,I'll never be on my own.Thank you O Lord for coming to me,When I loose my way.Thank you for getting me back on my feet,And for taking away;All of my heartaches that weigh me down,All of my guilt and pain.For You reached down and rescued me,And on me I feel love rain.I fall on my knees and worship You,I praise You Father above.I can count on You to get me through,For You're the Father of love.
RENA
October 8, 2008
He'll Carry You
We're living in a cold world,And often feel alone.Scattered dreams and broken hearts,We know these as our own.But life can be much better,Just open up your eyes.Right before you, you will see,Warm heavenly blue skies.God never meant for us, To walk this road alone.He never meant for us,To try it on our own.He wants the world to know,That he is always here.When you're weak He'll carry you,And show you that He's near.There are days my strength is gone,My faith feels O so weak.I try to make it on my own,But I am feeling beat.A gentle breeze reminds me,That God is still with me.He softly whispers in my ear,"I love you; trust in me."Life is so much better, When God is by your side.He'll help you through each day,You'll never run and hide.He knows that we aren't perfect,That's why He stays by you.God's love will never leave you,He's faithful and He's true.
LATONZA MINTER
October 8, 2008
He'll Carry You
We're living in a cold world,And often feel alone.Scattered dreams and broken hearts,We know these as our own.But life can be much better,Just open up your eyes.Right before you, you will see,Warm heavenly blue skies.God never meant for us, To walk this road alone.He never meant for us,To try it on our own.He wants the world to know,That he is always here.When you're weak He'll carry you,And show you that He's near.There are days my strength is gone,My faith feels O so weak.I try to make it on my own,But I am feeling beat.A gentle breeze reminds me,That God is still with me.He softly whispers in my ear,"I love you; trust in me."Life is so much better, When God is by your side.He'll help you through each day,You'll never run and hide.He knows that we aren't perfect,That's why He stays by you.God's love will never leave you,He's faithful and He's true.
WILLIAM-PAULA POND
October 8, 2008
Suffering
If we suffer for the sake of Christ, Our Lord rains more love down.He knows that life on earth is hard,He wore a throne filled crown. He suffered death so we could live,He paid a price so high.So that although our life is hard,We'll never have to die.He knows our struggles, everyone,He lived here among men.He knows the trials that we face,The pains we face again.He never promised an easy life,But one thing that is true.We do not have to walk alone,He's always here for you.When we have Jesus in our lives,His strength He'll freely give.And when our lives turn upside down,He shows us how to live.He only asks that we faith,Accept and then believe.Then He can fill our lives with joy,Even in the time we grieve.Though suffering will come to you,In time they'll go away.But if you feel to weak to walk,Just bow to God and pray.His death is proof that He loves you,He'll never leave your side.He longs for you to run to Him,For His arms are open wide.So praise His name and do His will,No matter what you face.And when your life on earth is through,You'll feel His sweet embrace.He'll say, I love you my dear child,You suffered yet you won.And all of heavens reward's are yours,For a job well done.When I think of that I feel such joy,This pain will one day leave.I'll live in heaven with my Lord,If on earth I just believe.While I'm down here I'll just trust Him,Each of my days are planned.And someday when my life is through,I'll hold my Savior's hand.
RUTH WALKER
October 8, 2008
Don't Give Up
Your faith just isn't feeling strong,The way it used to be.Your heart feels cold; your hope is gone,You've given up on Thee.You don't know why you feel this way,You've so much pain inside.Despair takes over your whole life,You want to run and hide.Just don't give up, no matter what,Get on your knees and pray.The Lord is here; He feels your pain,He'll heal your heart today.Don't give up; keep holding on,He knows that you can't cope.He wants to take your wounded heart,And fill it up with hope.You pray to God and ask for help,Tears stream down your face.He takes your hand and leads you back,Into His sweet embrace.You know that He is holding you,Your soul can feel His touch.You know that God has rescued you,His joy you feel so much.Just don't give up, no matter what,Get on your knees and pray.The Lord is here; He feels your pain,He'll heal your heart today.Don't give up; keep holding on,Just give Him all your soul.God loves you and wants you to know,He'll never let you go.Don't give up, no matter what,The Lord is on your side.Don't give up; keep holding on,His arms are open wide.Don't give up, no matter what,He's always there for you.Don't give up; keep holding on,His love is always true.
October 8, 2008
Gentle whispers love is there
Falling like a special prayer
Hearts of beauty all around
Cascading love is always bound
Wings of love are now in place
Protecting hearts with sacred lace
Gentle souls that never rest
Keep our hearts and spirits blessed
Cling to me with tenderness
Wings of love and happiness
Captured are these wings for me
Wrapped within mortality
Whispers echo everywhere
God's own love in beauty rare
Angel's lacy wings I see
Caressed in love so constantly
Precious wings of lace I wear
Touched by love beyond compare
Whispers in this soul of mine
Echoes of my life divined
Softest whispers next to me
Now and for eternity
Sacredness that I embrace
Whispers sealed in heaven's grace.
~ Francine Pucillo
NATISHA REEMS
October 8, 2008
Reached the gates of heaven
Gentle Angel there
Gathering her children
In quiet peaceful prayer
All these souls have entered
Babies now in flight
Enter gates of heaven
Journey into light
As they enter heaven
Each one will appear
Youth and ageless beauty
Most magnificent premier
Special hearts are gathered
Families filled with pride
Waiting for their loved ones
As heaven's train arrives
Love to fill the magic
Of beauty in the sky
Everyone so filled with joy
All hearts will now reside
Castles filled with beauty
Gardens of heirlooms
So you will know the entrance
Where life will now resume
Friends and family gather
Before you glorious feast
God will come to dinner
Souls have found their peace.
CHRISTINA MOSS MORGAN
October 8, 2008
He walks in gracious splendor
Love's Shadow we remember
Steps are here to guide us
Majestically with calmness
Gentle as the softest breeze
Arms will gently hold with ease
Carry us to heaven's Light
Darkness never fills the night
Visions of love's power
Each minute of the hour
Heaven filled with wonder
His smile so warm and tender
Come with Me to start anew
This Paradise I give to you
Gardens of magnificence
Fragrant flower's brilliance
Faces of those waiting
With hearts anticipating
Walk within their presence
Love in each remembrance
Hearts are joined in heaven
Jesus now has led them
Holding on so tightly
Souls now flying lightly
Walk within His footsteps
Reaching heaven's doorstep
Children Of His Glory
Each one of us His story.
ODELLA
October 8, 2008
Peace falls on the ocean
Moon's radiance sublime
The sign of our Creator
In darkness Light Divine
Cast across the waters
Reflections of His Heart
A gift from Gentle Savior
His world now filled with art
Magnitude of Glory
Glowing in the sky
Gentle love cascading
The Cross of Love on High
Silence and sweet wonder
While walking on the sand
Feel the gentle beauty
As Jesus holds your hand
Wonder of His nature
As Moon lights up the shore
Showing us His greatest gift
In Life this sign He wore
Peace does fall from heaven
In Glory for mankind
Blessing that He gives us all
His Love has been defined.
MARIA ABBOTT
October 8, 2008
Within this lovely garden
Waves of beauty flow
Magnificence and elegance
In velvet row by row
Flowers scented perfume
Wafting through the air
Sending you a fragrance
That follows everywhere
Colors that are vibrant
Light up the world above
Reflecting all the glory of
God's precious smile of love
Garden of all loveliness
Within this artist's eyes
Creating special masterpiece
Of home within the sky.
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