Mr. Joseph Leon Artis, Jr., son of Deacon Joseph and Deaconess Minnie Trovene Artis, was born February 19, 1970 in Norfolk, Virginia. He departed this life unexpectedly on June 29, 2021. Joseph, affectionately called “Joey” & “DJ 6’9” joined First Baptist Church Bute Street at an early age under the pastorate of Reverend LaVert H. Taylor. As a young man, he was a part of the original Cherub Choir, a member of the Youth Usher Board, Youth Ministry, Boy Scouts, Basketball and Softball Teams and attended Eagle Eyrie. Joey was a participant in the original Lock-In where he was the D.J. with then best friends Lenbert and Ron. Being a D. J. became a lucrative business in the Tidewater area and as a result of Joey’s experience which began at church, he was able to capitalize upon being a D.J. for many years. Additionally, Joey attended Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and assisted with other church ministries, as needed.
Joey attended Norfolk Public Schools and was a graduate of Lake Taylor High School. As a high school student, he also attended Norfolk Technical Vocational Center where he completed the Carpentry program. Upon being graduated from Norfolk Public Schools, Joey matriculated at Virginia Seminary and College which is now Virginia University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia. Joey was united in marriage to Darlene and to that union was born four children.
A lover of people, Joey found joy in working where he would be in contact with adults, as well as children. For many years, he enjoyed working as an entrepreneur at Ingrams and Big Top Flea Markets. Where his cousin “AC” taught him the business of being a salesman and was preparing him to own his own business. Working at the flea markets provided Joey an opportunity to laugh and talk with people, as they browsed the market.
Joey, also, enjoyed sports. As a youth, he spent many hours at the Boys Club where he played basketball, realized his artistic abilities and participated in other various developmental activities. His love for sports was very evident as he played basketball while a student at Lake Taylor High School and Virginia Seminary and College. His favorite football team was the former Washington Redskins and he was one of their avid fans.
Joey leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Darlene, sons, Markell, Joseph III (Lil Joey), Lesean, Dashawn, and Elias; daughter, Darlene Michele; and stepson, Jayshaun; one sister, Trovene Michele Logan (Carl) of Norfolk; two aunts, Virginia Tillett of Manteo, North Carolina and Geneva Taylor (Frazier) of Prince George, Virginia; an uncle, Eddie Lee Simmons (Sally) of Manteo, NC; two nephews, Michael and Malyk Logan of Norfolk; one niece, Charlela of New York. Growing up we learned that our 1st cousins were our very first friends: Joretta Stayhorn Walton, Calvin Carver, Kenneth Carver, Rosa Carver, Anthony Carver, James Cooper, Jr., Johnny Tillett, Michael Tillett, Brian Taylor, Jason Taylor, Jennifer Monteagudo, Carla Mason, Deon Simmons, Eddie Simmons Jr., and Deshawn Banks. A special friend/advisor/counselor Adelkola “AJ” Osunlakin and a host of other relatives and friends
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Delphine Freeman says
July 1, 2021 at 8:36 pmMy sincerest condolences Mr. & Mrs. Artis, your daughter and the entire family for the loss of your beloved son and loved one. God promises us that at times such as this when we need comforting, He said He would send a comforter to help mend our broken hearts. May your comforter come early and stay for as long as you need him. I love and cherish you all. 💖💖
Cynthia Corbin says
July 5, 2021 at 7:11 pmCynthia Corbin and family would like to send our condolences to the Artis family. Sorry for your loss with loving thoughts and deep sympathy. God bless and comfort you all.💞
Rev. Dr. James Edwards, lll says
July 3, 2021 at 12:15 pmMy wife, Rev. Dee and I offer our sincere condolences to the entire Artis’ family on the passing of ” Joey”, whom we have known since he was a child. May God richly bless you with peace, comfort and strength during this trying time of your life.
Doris Martin Neal says
July 3, 2021 at 6:25 pmOur sincere condolences Mr. And Mrs. Artis in the passing of “our” beloved Joey. My Mom, Frances Smith, my sons Brian and Brandon, and I think of Your Family as Family. We grieve with you; we are here for you; we love each of you.
Brenda Swoope says
July 5, 2021 at 6:31 amSo sorry to hear of your loss. May the memories of your loved one bring you peace.
Numbers 6:24 -26 – The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face to shine upon you.
The Lord turn His face and give you peace.
Love and prayers.
Erskin M White says
July 5, 2021 at 12:20 pmDeacon and Deaconess Artis and Family, I am saddened to hear of your loss. I am praying that the Lord continue to strengthen and heal you during these times. Please accept my condolences and what is also vital, which is reflecting on the pleasant times God blessed Joey to be with us.
Deacons Clarence and Pat Childers says
July 5, 2021 at 12:44 pmWe were saddened to hear of your loss. Our prayer is that you would feel God’s comforting peace at this time.
Philippians 4:6&7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Katrina Gray-Parker says
July 5, 2021 at 1:22 pmI’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. I pray your family will feel the love and peace of our God at this time.
christy hansen says
July 6, 2021 at 3:18 amI am so very sorry to read of the loss of your son. May he rest in Peace! I think you are related to the late Alice Smith, a lovely lady, who was a great friend of my family.
Joseph Artis, Sr says
July 23, 2021 at 4:50 pmYes we are. She was our Aunt Alice. Thanks for your condolences. It’s overwhelming right now..
The Artis Family
Walter Lindsay says
July 6, 2021 at 3:11 pmSo sorry for your loss, I remember Joe from playing basketball in High School he was always a good and positive guy.