Photo courtesy of Nickelson-Cummings Funeral Home - Hampton
HAMPTON, Virginia
Dec 31, 1943 – Mar 2, 2020
On March 2, 2020, Curtis Artis, Sr. peacefully entered into eternal rest. He was born on December 31, 1943, in Southampton County, Virginia, to the late James and Bessie A. Artis.
Curtis attended Franklin City Public Schools in Southampton County, Virginia. He later received an Associate’s Degree in Business Management from Thomas Nelson Community College. Curtis entered the United States Army and served his country for six years, separating with an Honorable Discharge in 1970. He began working with the Newport News Shipbuilding in 1971; afterwards, he worked with Newport News Public Schools for over 30 years before retiring in 2006.
After retirement, Curtis enjoyed golfing, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. Curtis was a dedicated member of Union Baptist Church in the City of Newport News for over 30 years, where he faithfully served on the usher board.
Curtis is preceded in death by his son, Curtis Griffin, granddaughter, Lakeia Griffin, one sister, Irene Artis-Brown, six brothers James Thomas (JT) Artis, George Garland (Tot) Artis, Ruben Pernell (Joe) Artis, Vance Leroy (Dukie) Artis, Herman and Sherman (the twins) Artis, and Robert (Rabbit) Artis.
Curtis Artis leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 52 years, Sandra Melvin Artis; two daughters, Carleen Artis Edwards and Terry Griffin; one son, Curtis Artis, Jr.; his grandchildren Jonathan Griffin, Deonte Griffin, Willie Marc Edwards Jr., Carlin Edwards, Tishawna Artis, and Caaliyah Artis; twelve great-grand children; one great-great grandchild; one brother, Ivory (Chris) Artis ; six sisters, Mary Walloe, Shirley Artis-Moore (Larry), L. Levern Hicks (Matthew), Paulette Williams (Charlie), Lillie Tennessee (Vann), and Linda Edmonds (James). He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Gloria Cox, Elmira Pitchford, Gwendolyn Banks (Kenneth), Joyce Melvin-Jones (Carter), Cheryl Artis, Mable Artis, and Yvonne Artis; additional brothers-in-law Tyrone Melvin (Polly) and James Melvin (Deborah); his special niece and goddaughter Terri McAdams Keesee; his special niece and caregiver Pamela Cox and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.
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Carleen Artis-Edwards: The last time I saw you was at Walmart, and you told me that you had 2 boys, But I recently found out about your father's death, and I wanted to say how sorry I was to hear about your father's death.
Gloria Turner
August 08, 2020 | Hampton, VA | Friend
Sandra and family, please accept my most fervent prayers and sincere condolences. May the peace of the LORD descend upon you with comfort.
Michael West
Michael West
March 11, 2020 | Chesterfield, VA | Friend
Brother-in-law. You are MISSED by me. I miss our bantering. I miss watching Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, football, basketball, Hallmark movies and the news with you. I miss eating with you. I miss you watching me going to my car to ensure my safety. I miss eating seafood with you. I miss you putting me out of your house weekly, and telling Sandra to find out where I was when I didn't show. I miss and love you Teddybear. Love you
Elmira Pitchford
March 08, 2020 | Hampton, VA | Family
Will miss you Uncle Curtis and you know I love you.
Dana Cox
March 06, 2020 | Hampton, VA | Family
My condolences to the family God is good. Be blessed.
Theresa Miles
March 06, 2020 | Hampton, VA | Coworker
Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that we feel for the passing of Mr Curtis. Please accept our condolences and prayers.
Gina, Keenan, & Jasmine
Gina Willis
March 06, 2020 | Richmond, VA | Friend
Our condolences and prayers goes out to the family
Arthur Tynes
March 06, 2020 | Carrollton, VA
Rest well, Uncle Curtis!
Artis Hicks
March 05, 2020 | Fort Washington, MD | Family