Clarence Artis

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Phillipians 1:21,23   A Life Well Lived….   Even though our beloved Brother Clarence has gone on before us, his spirit shall always live on and will be forever tied together in the circle of life.   Clarence Artis of Texas City, Texas, packed up his tent and went home to be with the Lord, on December 27, 2017 from the comforts of his home. He had been periodically ill for the past few years but always managed to be full of life, extremely generous, and he always kept a smile on his face.   Clarence was born in Greenville, North Carolina on September 1st, 1926 and spent most of his childhood living with his grandfather, Jesse G. Artis. At the age of 19, Clarence joined the Merchant Marines and dedicated 22 years of his life serving his country and traveling the world. He became an engineer, worked on over 60 different ships, and docked on various ports here in the states to visit friends and family members.   On one of those occasions when he docked in Galveston, he came to Texas City and met his future wife, Lucille M. Artis. Clarence and Lucille later wed in 1952. Upon his discharge from the Merchant Marines, he returned to Texas City to raise his family.   Clarence was employed at several companies in Texas City where he earned awards and certificates for his excellent work performance. He also obtained several engineering licenses from Schick Razor Company in Connecticut where he had moved with his family for at least 5 years. After retiring Clarence still felt the need to work and did everything from a school bus driver, a bus monitor, as well as a driver and funeral attendant for Mainland Funeral Home.   Clarence was a dedicated long-term member of Greater Barbour’s Chapel Baptist Church for many years, serving as a choir member as well as an usher. He was also a member of the LaMarque/Texas City Chapter Masonic Lodge and the NAACP. Many knew him as ‘Daddy Clarence’, because he was kind, understanding, and a father to us all. His work here on Earth was truly a blessing and his life touched everyone he encountered. He will truly be missed.   Clarence was preceded in passing from this life to the next by his mother and father, John W. and Rosella A. Stevenson, his sister Helen, his brothers Elmer and Erskin, his beloved wife, Lucille M. Artis, daughter Willetta Williams, and grandson Curtis Jones Jr.   He leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Shawn Artis and wife, Denesia Artis of Houston, Texas and Richard Mayes and wife, Mable Mayes of California; two brothers and six sisters, Clara Artis and Mattie R. Stevenson of Connecticut. Sarah Stevenson, Charles Stevenson, Robert Stevenson, and Marie Stevenson of Georgia. Vera Stevenson and Patricia Stevenson of Houston; grandsons, Earl Vignes and Verril Young of Texas City, and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.