Shirley Artis Obituary

Shirley Elizabeth Artis passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and grace. A quiet force of energy and warmth, Shirley was the heart of her family and a source of joy to all who knew her.

Born in 1944, Shirley graduated from Springfield South High School in 1962 and earned a full scholarship to The Ohio State University, a testament to her intelligence and determination. She channeled her many talents into a vibrant career as a pharmacy technician. She also co-owned a very successful catering business with Saundra Castleberry called S&S Catering, where her creativity and dedication brought people together through food, celebration, and community.

Shirley was a devoted and nurturing mother and grandmother, ensuring that her children and grandchildren were not only well-traveled and independent but also deeply enriched by the memories they created together. Her quiet strength and peaceful presence were constant in their lives, and she took immense pride in shaping a family grounded in love, knowledge, and faith. She was a faithful and active member of the Kingdom Hall, and alongside her beloved husband and high school sweetheart, Vernon “Juney” Artis, she remained steadfast in her devotion to Jehovah and in their marriage of over 62 beautiful years. Together, they also built a life of shared success as entrepreneurs, reflecting their tireless spirit and unity in all things.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Vernon, her cherished children, Nicia “Mitchell” Artis, Kyle Artis, Bryan (Christina) Artis I; her grandchildren who called her Nana, Justin Meyer, Bryan (Angeline) Artis II, Kennedy (Sterling) Spears, Kellen Carter, Cortne’ Artis, Kayla Artis; her great-grandchildren, Skylar Spears, Trinity Spears, Destiny Mosley, Bryan Artis III, Harmony Mosley, Bishop Artis, Carter Spears, Scarlet Spears, Leliana Carter, Ximena Carter and Maya Artis; her siblings Deborah Davis, Dianna Martin; her sister-in-law Joyce Emmons; brother-in-law Daryl (Theresa) Artis; a host of family and friends who will continue to honor her life and legacy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester G. Martin Sr. and Frances (Mabra) Martin, brother Chester G. Martin Jr., sister Cynthia Satterfield, granddaughter Kendra Artis, grandson Kyle Artis II, sister-in-law Tosca Moss, brother-in-law’s Charlie “Hattie” Davis, John Thomas, Guy Emmons III, Kenneth Satterfield, nephew Derrick Davis.

Shirley will be remembered for her calm wisdom, her boundless love, her unwavering support, her cinnamon rolls, her peach cobbler, her fried fish, and so much more. She lived her life with dignity, humility, and a quiet vibrance that left a lasting imprint on every soul she touched.