Terrence Artesian "Terry" Artis

On July 7, 2022, Terry was called home to be with the LORD. Terrence "Terry" Artesian Artis was born in Washington DC on October 31, 1970. Terry was the first child of the late Ruben "Joe" Purnell Artis and Yvonne Artis.

Educated in Prince Georges County Public Schools, Terry attended Green Valley Elementary School and G. Gardner Shugart Middle School. He graduated from Potomac Senior High School in Oxon Hill, MD, Class of 1988. Terry was a proud Potomac Brave and member of the football team.

Terry went on to attend Elizabeth City State University and played on the football team. He graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. In 1997, Terry followed in his father's footsteps to become a member of Felix Lodge No. 3 of the M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge Masons of the District of Columbia.

In 1999, Terry found his passion working with youth while working as a Behavior Counselor at Florence Bertell Academy in Capital Heights, MD and later at Jos Arz Academy in Washington DC. The students would often refer to "Artis" as a fake Joe Clark from the movie Lean On Me. Terry continued his passion of working with kids while living in Atlanta, Georgia and working as the Executive Director of the A.R. "Gus" Barksdale Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta. In 2015, he moved back to Maryland and continued to work with youth as the Youth & Family Program Director at the James Lee Community Center with Fairfax County Government. Most recently, Terry worked as a Correctional Specialist III with Montgomery County Government. In April 2021, he completed the State of Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions Entrance Level Training Program as a requirement of his position. He trained with people half his age and excelled in the physical and academic portions of the program.

On December 14, 2012, Terry joined in matrimony with Donita Artis.

In his spare time, Terry enjoyed hanging with family and friends, off-roading in his Jeep, and grilling. He was a devoted Washington Commanders "REDSKINS" fan, win or lose. Terry was the life of the party and knew someone wherever he went. He was an unintentional comedian and his one liners were legendary.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Donita Artis; stepdaughters, Deka and Dallas; mother, Yvonne Artis; sister, Katoshia Ford (Andre); beloved niece, Jade Ford; siblings, Kevin and Gwen, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ruben "Joe" Purnell Artis, and grandparents, James & Odelle Ricks and James and Bessie Artis.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at 11:00 am at Fort Foote Baptist Church, 8310 Fort Foote Road, Fort Washington, MD.