Sarah A. Artis

Sarah Alberta Walker Artis, daughter of the late Rev. James A. Walker and Mary Ringgold Walker, was born on April 22, 1928. She departed this life on August 8, 2013 at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Chestertown, Maryland. “Bert”, “Mommy Bert” and “Tot”, as she was affectionately called by her family and friends, received her primary education in Butlertown, Maryland. She also received cosmetology training in Brooklyn, NY. She was employed by various companies; however, she retired from The New York Board of Education, where she worked as a bookkeeper for more than 25 years. Bert accepted Christ at an early age and enjoyed serving and living for God. She eventually moved to Philadelphia and then to New York where she lived, laughed and loved for over 50 years. Bert enjoyed good singing and preaching. Her hobbies included: reading, traveling, shopping and enjoying life with family and friends. Sarah Alberta was joined in holy matrimony to the late Rev. James Artis, whom she shared 49 precious years with. From this union, one child was born, Anita Artis Gardner. As James and Sarah journeyed through life, James accepted his call to ministry. He later became Pastor of Sojourner Truth A.M.E. Zion Church in Queens, NY, where Sarah served as First Lady for 30 years. She also served on many boards and committees, ultimately filling in wherever she was needed. Sarah was a very devoted wife, mother and grandmother. After the death of her husband, she returned home to her rural roots, where she shared her latter days with her daughter and family. She was preceded in death by one brother, Andrew Walker and two sisters, Cora Etta and Naomi Walker. Sarah leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Anita Gardner; three grandchildren whom she helped rear: Alprentice Gardner (Hilary) of Brooklyn, NY, Shavonne Gardner of Queens, NY and Dashawn Covington of Baltimore, MD; four great-grandchildren, Alprentice, Jr., Jazmine, Ashley and Jessica all of NY, whom she also helped rear; three step-children, Renee Artis, Lonnie Artis and Ruth Woods all formerly of NY; 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; four sister, Doris Thelma Johnson of Butlertown, MD, Roseanne Walker of Dover, DE, Catherine Somerville (Alton) of Worton, MD and Ruth Sage (Dell) of Camden, DE; and a host of relatives and friends.

Sarah A. Artis

April 22, 1928 - August 7, 2013