Ms. Annie V. Artis, 97, of the 3500 block of Nansemond Parkway, went to receive her blessed reward when she died Monday, May 10, 2004, in Obici Hospital.

She was born on Jan. 21, 1907 in old Nansemond County (Sleepy Hole).

She was the oldest daughter of the late Joseph and Martha Jones-Artis. She was pre-deceased by all of her siblings, Henrietta, Mary, Armstead, and Alan.

She completed Driver Florence Graded School.

She had retired as a domestic having also been employed at Planters and Suffolk Peanut Company.

She was a member for more than 60 years of Tabernacle Baptist Church.

She was the oldest deaconess, a member of the Senior and Union choirs, co-organizer of the Gospel Choir, Missionary Circle, Silver Strands, former Sunday School scholar, the Sisterhood, and formerly an active member of the United Senior Citizens and the Busy Bee Club.

She was a pioneer in the Civil Rights Movement and one of the first black area women registered to vote.

She was a member and secretary of the Driver Independence Voters League and the Driver (Nansemond Parkway Civic League.

Ms Annie was loved and known for her care and generosity, her homemade cakes, and her favorite saying was, &uot;Thank you, God.&uot;

The matriarch of five generations leaves a legacy to cherish her sweet memory: Her loving and devoted daughter, Martha Scott-Gordon; two dedicated sons, Herbert Scott Jr. and Lonnie (Cora) Scott; four grandchildren, Charlie Sr., Ronald Sr., Anthony, and Cynthia; two beautifully attentive great-granddaughters, Nikki and Natarsha; a caring great-grandson, Ronald (JR) and other great-grandchildren, Charlie Jr., Glen, Shannon, and Jamel; her pride and joy were her great-great-grandchildren, Cameron, AntRon, Brittany, Tre’Breh, and Ny’Kya; two nieces, Flossie Williams and Eunice Lawrence; three nephews, Roosevelt Wilson, Robert Williams and Alan Jr. Cherry; caring grand-nephews, the Rev. James Williams and Jessie Lawrence; and several cousins and many other relatives and friends.

The funeral will be held at noon Saturday in Tabernacle Baptist Church, 3621 Nansemond Parkway, with the Rev. Nathaniel Scates, senior pastor, and the Rev. James Williams, officiating.

Interment will be in Poplar Run Baptist Church Cemetery.

Crocker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.