FRANKLIN — Surrounded by family in her home, Thelma Pope Artis, 87, peacefully entered into eternal glory on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019. A dearly beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, ended her earthly journey.

Thelma was born on Jan. 9, 1932, in Southampton County, Virginia, to the late Thomas Jefferson and Frances Pope. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Thomas, James, Robert and Benjamin Pope, as well as, her sisters, Virginia Granger, Annie Mae Freeman and Lillie Mae Zollicoffer.

Thelma attended Southampton County Public Schools, and was united in marriage to Clyde Artis. To this union, three children were born, Clyde “Dennis,” his twin who was deceased at birth, and Frances “Tut.”

At a very early age, she was baptized and became a member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful servant unto the Lord. Thelma was truly devoted to her family, friends and church. She was well known and loved by everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde and her grandson, Dennis “Lamont” Artis.

Her spirit lives today and forever in the hearts of her son, Clyde “Dennis” Artis (Gayle); her daughter, Frances Britt (Nelson); her stepson, Larry Sledge (Shelia); eight grandchildren, Sequoia, Tasha, Tomeka (Lawrence), Sherita, Larry Jr., DeShaun (Jerry), Ryan and Aaron; 12 great-grandchildren, to include three of which she reared, Tasheka Rooks, Gary Warren Jr. (Sharon) and Tristen Gary; 12 great- great-grandchildren; three sisters, Barbara Pope (Hugh), Evelyn Lewis and Fannie Flythe (Raymond); and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

The funeral will be on Saturday, Jan. 26, in Apostolic Faith Church of God, 608 Oak St., Franklin, with the Rev. Jeremiah Cole of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church Cemetery in Newsoms.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Jan. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Engram Funeral Home, 1001 Armory Drive, Franklin.