In Loving
Memory

Annie Louise Artis

March 24, 1926 – September 23, 2022

Annie Louise Artis, 96, of Richmond, VA passed away on Friday, September 23, 2022.

Annie Louise Artis was born March 24, 1926, in Fremont, North Carolina to the late Eliza Lewis and Gussie Wooten.  She was the eldest of her six siblings.  She received her formal education at Friendship School in Fremont, North Carolina.  Annie was raised by her grandparents, Papa Kirby, and Momma Sarah, who instilled in her strong family values and a good work ethic.

Annie had one son, James Earl Lewis whom she referred to as her “All and All”.

She left her humble beginnings and moved to Richmond, Virginia seeking a better life for herself and her son.  She was determined, driven and hard-working.  She carved out a fulfilling and beautiful life.  She nourished and helped raise her grandson, Kelvin, as he fondly remembers her carrying him around on her hip and taking him to church.  As other family members left North Carolina and moved to Richmond she opened her heart and small apartment to them and helped raise her many nieces and nephews who lovingly called her Aunt Eeza (short for Louise).

Annie accepted Christ and joined the Asbury Methodist Church where she was a faithful servant for more than 60 years.  She served on the Usher Board and was a member of Asbury United Methodist Women.  She loved the Lord and enjoyed attending church.  Her church family young and old respected, loved and adored her, they affectionately referred to her as Mom, Mrs. Artis and beautiful lady.

For over 70 years, Annie worked in Food Services at Aramark.  She developed excellent working relationships with her supervisors as well as lasting friendships with co-workers.  She received numerous certificates of recognition for her work and perfect attendance. She retired at age 83.

She enjoyed good times and family celebrations — traveling back home to Fremont for family reunions — and there were plenty of them. Annie had a special bond with her brother William “Hot Shot” Lewis, who preceded her in death.  Even though he was her younger brother, he was her protector.  She fondly called him Bro and he called her Sis.  She spent summer vacations in New York with Bro and his family — something she looked forward to every year.  She also enjoyed close relationships with her other siblings and their children.  To know her was to love her, and to love her was truly a blessing. 

Annie leaves a legacy of love for her family and friends.  Those left to reminisce and cherish fond memories are:  Her devoted and loving son James, who moved heaven and earth to make sure his Mom was able to maintain her independent lifestyle and not want for anything; a bonus daughter, her sons’ significant person, Gloria Glover, who had a special Mother/daughter relationship; three sisters, Susie Wooten, Hennis Cherry and Mary Singletary; one brother, Kay Polk Wooten; one grandson, Kelvin Hargrove (Tracy); one granddaughter, Jamai Lewis; three great grandchildren, Andrew, Luke and Amiah; and a host of loving nieces and nephews. 

Also a dedicated and loving care provider, Leta Sharpe; a very special best friend and neighbor for more than 60 years, Francis Patterson, who fondly referred to her as Flossie; loving church friends, Jennie Coates, Delores Richardson, Yvonne Edmonds, Janice Ryalls, Rosa Lewis and many more.

A service will be held at Noon on Friday, September 30, 2022, at Affinity Funeral Service, 2720 Enterprise Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23294. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.

Interment to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 1400 S Randolph St, Richmond, VA 23220.

Click here to view the Livestream for Annie Louise Artis.

I thought of you today, but that is nothing new. 

I thought about you yesterday and the days before that too. 

I think of you in silence, I often speak your name

Now all I have are memories and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is my keepsake, with which I will never part

God has you in his keeping and I have you in my heart.

With All My Love, Your Son, James