Artie was born on August 12, 1947, in Los Angeles, California, to Jessie Frances Marie Wilson Thomas and Rupert Ward Thomas, who preceded her in death. She was raised alongside her beloved older sister, Patricia Ida Thomas, and her brother, Raymond Charles Thomas, who also preceded her in death.
Artie received her education at Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, California. In 1967, she married LeRoy Williams Jr., and from this union came her eldest daughter, Leslie Denise Howard (Williams), also from Los Angeles.
In 1970, Artie and LeRoy ended their marriage, and Artie relocate to Kansas City, Missouri, where she began her professional career as a housekeeper at the President Hotel in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. It was there that she met the love of her life, Marcus O. Wilkins, who preceded her in death. Marcus’s daughter, Marqueta Wilkins, also preceded him in death.
Artie and Marcus were blessed with two daughters, Michelle Nyree Wilkins and their youngest daughter, Ashley Erin Wilkins. Artie’s family continued to grow and became her greatest joy, with nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. One grandchild preceded her in death.
In 1973, Artie continued her career in housekeeping. Through her dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence, she advanced to Assistant Director in 1983 and became Director of Housekeeping in 1986. After many rewarding years in the hospitality industry, Artie decided it was time to start a new chapter.
In 2004, she followed her longtime desire to help others and entered the medical field. There, she discovered another meaningful way to serve, comfort, and care for those in need. Artie remained dedicated to her work until February 2025. Even as she faced health challenges, her desire to work and help others never wavered. She had a generous heart and often placed the needs of others before her own, always believing that someone else needed her care and support.
A Funeral Service will take place at, on October 9, 2026, at 11:00 am at Newcomer's Noland Road Chapel, 509 S Noland Rd, Independence, Missouri 64050. A Committal Service will follow at Longview Funeral Home & Cemetery, 12700 Raytown Rd, Kansas City, Missouri 64149.
