Robert Lee &uot;Rock&uot; Artis, 66, of 6501 Cumberland Lane, died April 24, 2003, at

his residence.

Born in Nansemond County

(Suffolk), he was a son of the late James R. and Elenora Artis. He retired from Burton P. Short after 34 years of service. He was a member of Holland Mission United Church of Christ.

He was predeceased by his son Reginald Lee Artis, his brother William &uot;Bert&uot; Artis, and his grandmother Mary E.

Hoggard.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley P.

Artis of Brooklyn, N.Y.; five daughters, Mary T. (Daryl) Anderson of Portsmouth; Bonnie (Derrick) Jackson of Central Islip, N.Y. Bonita Byrd of Kileen,Tex., Lou Lewis and Jacqueline Manley, both of Suffolk;

three sisters, Mary L. Artis and Kathleen Artis, both of Suffolk, and Barbara (Roger) Barnes of Portsmouth; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two uncles, Harry C .Artis and Sydney Hoggard, both of Suffolk; one sister-in-law (Patricia A. Artis); and many nieces, nephews and friends.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Holland Mission United Church of Chris 224 Dutch Rd. Suffolk by the Rev. Freddie Hines. Interment will be in Laurel Hill United Church of Christ.

Abraham Applewhite

& Son Funeral Home is in charge. The family will receive friends at 6501 Cumberland Lane, Suffolk.