"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." II Timothy 4:6-8 Beatrice Artis, born Lillie Beatrice Smith was the sixth child born to the late Robert Edward and Lillie Belle Johnson- Smith on March 8, 1920. Bea, as she was called, was an active child....a somewhat spunky little girl who preferred rambling and rough housing with her brothers more than she did playing with dolls and the "girly games" of her sisters. She often chuckled as she spoke of how her sister Mary Nelson would look at her skinned knees and ruffled hair and just shake her head (and probably much to Aunt Mary Nelson's surpriseBea grew into quite the lady!). Beatrice loved her childhood among her 9 brothers and sisters, Ethel Hazel Smith Gilpin, Robert Leslie Smith, Louvenia Smith Williams, Mary Nelson Smith Taylor, Samuel Smith, Emmitt Albert Smith and Rev. Frederick Smith (all preceded her in death), and John E Smith and Thelma Smith Jackson. She beamed as she reminisced about her loving and generous parents and her home life in Coatesville, Virginia. Growing up in the Smith household, spiritually and the love of the Lord was their foundation and that same spirit, faith and love of God, was the core of Bea's existence for the rest of her life. She grew up in Saint James Baptist Church and was one of the original members of the Ginny Nelson singers. Beatrice loved learning and did well in school. Upon graduation from high school, she had plans of attending college to study law, but before school was to begin, her parents allowed her to visit her Aunt Carrie in New York City for the summer. Aunt Carrie had no children, and was thrilled to have Bea with her for a while. Her love for Aunt Carrie, independent spirit and adventurous nature, led her to extend her time there. At 24, while working as a waitress, she, through Aunt Carrie, became acquainted with a handsome gentleman chef from North Carolina and her soul mate Jasper Artis (who preceded her in death). Talk about a "match made in heaven"they were both born in March and both called home in July!) They were married November 30, 1946 and from that union are 5 children, 15 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, and 22 great-great grands. For 58 years, Beatrice and Jasper raised their family in a fun, welcoming, nurturing and loving environment; and that love did not stop at just those who shared her bloodline! Known as "Mommy" to a few of us, "Sister" to a few more, "Aunt or Cousin Bea" to many - "Nana" is who she became to scores of others. She treated friends and friends of friends with the same generous and nurturing spirit she was raised with. So much so, when she expressed wanting to return "home" to her birthplace and spend her "Golden Years" she brought over 40 people with her! You see, we'd have gone to Alaska if Nana wanted to. She taught us the importance of family love. She was one of the most selfless, forgiving, gracious, kind, patient, and giving people you'll ever meet. Once you have been touched by Nana's love, you do not forget it. We are all eternally grateful to God for having shared her and blessed us with her for 94 years. It is said "absent from the body is present with the Lord" and we can rest assured, she is at rest with the Father and is holding a place for each of us. We love you Nanamore than words can say. Your legacy, (along with Gram's) lives on in each of us. We celebrate your life today and will honor your memory forever. Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.