SUFFOLK - Zebedee Artis, Sr., 73, of the 1800 block of Nansemond Parkway, Suffolk, departed this earthly life to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at Sentara Obici Hospital. He was a native of Nansemond County and the son of te late Elliott and Mary Lawrence Artis. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Beverly Artis.

Mr. Artis was retired from Planters Peanut Company and owned and operated Artis Septic Tank Service. He was a faithful member of Oak Grove Baptist Church where he was a Deacon, attended Sunday school, and was a member of the Awareness Club and Budget Committee.

Left behind to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Jean Artis; two daughters, Wanda Rabb and Zelda Fulgham (Fletcher) of Suffolk; three sons, Zebedee Artis, Jr. (Janet), Christopher Stefon Artis (Marian), and Dwayne Artis, all of Suffolk; four sisters, Josephine Barnes of Kentucky, Mary Washington (Curtis) of Suffolk, Melvinia Faulcon (Hozie) of Baltimore, MD, and Mattie Robinson (Theodore) of Suffolk; two brothers, James Artis of Suffolk and Philmore Artis of Portsmouth; ten grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm Monday, February 11, 2008 at Oak Grove Baptist Church, with the Pastor, Dr. Anthony Copeland, Officiating. Interment will be in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The body will be taken to the church at 10:30 a.m. Crocker Funeral Home is handling arrangements.