Virginia Louise Artis

Virginia “Louise” Artis of Huntsville, AL, surrounded by her family, went home to be with her Savior on February 16, 2023. Born in Hardin County, TN, she was preceded in death by her husband Paul Artis, her parents Ella and Elcie Shelton and sisters: Gathel Colbert, Virginia Smith and Flossie Barker. She is survived by her children: Barry Artis (Sandy) and Michael Artis (Karen); seven grandchildren: Kelley (Ben), Ritchie (Amanda), Janet (Tim), Paul (Tessa), Kristen, Steven (Yiwen), and Brandon (Alex); and six great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Early in their marriage Louise provided for the family so her husband could go to college at the University of TN. She first worked at a local drugstore, then she worked as a clerk at Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville, TN, outside of Knoxville. She would talk with the mothers and fathers of newborn babies, then type up the birth certificates. When Barry was born, they teased her, asking her if she was going to type up his – which made it to the local newspaper. After Paul graduated, she embarked on her life-long career, she became a housewife dedicated to providing a home for her husband and children. Her family is a confirmation of her success. As a cancer survivor, she volunteered her time to help many women as a counselor for Reach to Recovery with the American Cancer Society. Later she also became the coordinator, coordinating other volunteers to visit new cancer post-op patients for many years – one of those years she was the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award.

She loved her children, her grandchildren and great grandchildren who all provided her with great delight. You may visit with the family at 11:00 am at Hillwood Baptist Church in Huntsville, AL on Friday, March 03, 2023, with a memorial service following at 1:00 pm. The interment will immediately follow in Valhalla Memory Gardens. Please sign her guest registry at www.valhallafunerals.com.

Visitation for Louise will be held Friday, March 3, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Hillwood Baptist Church, 300 Kohler Rd, Huntsville, AL, followed by the celebration of life service at 1:00 PM. Louise will be laid to rest in Valhalla Memory Gardens, Huntsville, AL. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the Artis family.