FRANKLIN—Jessie R. Artis of Carrsville Highway, Franklin, Va., departed this life on December 15, 2011, while a patient in Maryview Nursing Center, Suffolk, Va.

On May 29, 1945, he was born to James and Alease Stone Artis in Southampton County, Va.

Jessie was a member of O’Berry A.M.E. Zion Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

For 40 years, he was employed with Woods Hill Farms and retired in 2002.

For many years, Jessie was a member of the staff of Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home.

He was a member of Franklin Star Lodge #288, PHA, Antioch Franklin Southampton #72 Order of Eastern Star, St. Luke Lodge #279 I.B.P.O.E. of W. Franklin, Virginia, Knights and Daughters of Tabor and Williams Session Temple #24.

Jessie served with pride and dedication in the United States Navy.

Jessie was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by three sons, Antonio S. Parham, Stacy Funches and Horatio Funches; four grandchildren, Jasmine Parham, Stacy Funches II, Horatio Funches II and Sadara Funches; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 18, 2011, at Move of God Church, 221 South Main Street, Franklin, Va., with Reverend Dale Seaborne delivering the eulogy; Apostle Tyrone Hart is pastor.

The committal, Military Honors, and benediction will be in O’Berry A.M.E. Zion Church Cemetery.

A traditional service with dignity will be conducted by Wm. M. Johnson & Sons, Inc., 224 S. Main St., Franklin, Va. Please share your condolences with the family at www.wmjohnsonandsons.com