From the Jan. 4, 2008, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette & Jan. 6, 2008, Central Delta Argus-Sun:
HOLLY GROVE - Fannie Marie Artis, 99, of Holly Grove, died Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, at Crest Park Nursing Center in Stuttgart. She was born Sept. 17, 1908, in Palestine to Pete Sain and Ophelia Allen-Sain. She was one of five children born to this union. She was the widow of Barthaniel Artis.
She was a member of New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in Holly Grove for over 70 years. She served on the Usher Board, Missionary Society, Sunday School Teacher, Mother's Board, and also had the distinguished privilege of being the eldest member of the church. She was also a former member of First Baptist Church in Pine City and Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Holly Grove. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for many years.
She was a very hardworking wife, mother and grandmother. She had a strong and firm hand in rearing several children and grandchildren. "Auntie," as she was affectionately known, was well respected in her family and community. She enjoyed reading her Bible and studying the word of God. She also enjoyed quilting, sewing, cooking, traveling, canning and raising strawberries. During her many years she had the opportunity to witness many life changing and historical events of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Her parents, husband, two brothers, Earnest Sain and Dave Sain, two sisters, Rosie Mayo and Lizzie Sain, three sons, Lawyer B. Artis, Cottrell Artis and Paul Lee Artis, and a daughter, Lizzie Artis, all preceded her in death.
Survivors are a daughter, Ruthie Mae Love of Holly Grove; a sister-in-law, Fannie Ola Artis-Bobo of Holly Grove; two special grandsons, Robert B. Artis of Holly Grove and Danny Artis of Cedar Rapids, Ohio; a nephew, Willie Sain of Pine City; 18 grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at New Rising Star MB Church, Highway 17 South in Holly Grove, with Dennis W. Wilson officiating. Internment will take place at New Hope Cemetery by Branscumb Funeral Home of Brinkley.
Pallbearers are Wally Love, Kenny Parris, Billy Ray Parris, Gene Edwards Bobo, Larry Bobo and Lee Earnest Bobo.
-- Edited by Jane Dearing Dennis at 22:40, 2008-01-10
