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Johnnie “Itch” Artis Jr., 83, of 408 Roosevelt Drive, Suffolk, departed this earthly life on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, at his residence. He was the son of the late Johnnie Artis Sr. and Virgie Artis. His wife, Barbara Artis, and his daughters, Jacqueline Artis and Angela Artis, preceded him in death.

John was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School and was a member of the BTW Alumni Association. He attended Norfolk State University and later joined the U.S. Army. He retired after 42 years of service from Planters Peanuts Division of Kraft Foods.

He was a lifelong member of Metropolitan Baptist Church, where he enjoyed services until his health failed.

John’s memory will be cherished by his two daughters, Annette Barnes and Debra Artis; one stepdaughter, Pamela Ruffin; a sister, Rosa Kearney, all of Suffolk; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, a devoted caregiver, Corrine Hale, of Portsmouth, and a host of other family and friends.

A visitation will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A funeral will take place at noon on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, at Metropolitan Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Professional funeral services are entrusted to T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home Inc.