Rosa Mae Artis

Rosa Mae Artis, 89, of Suffolk, Virginia transitioned Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at Concordia Transitional Care and Rehabilitation- Nansemond Pointe. Rosa was born on February 11, 1931 to Cozette and John Artis in Capron, Virginia. After graduating from East Suffolk High School in 1951, Rosa worked briefly as a hairstylist then met and married her late husband James Artis. Rosa and James had five children, Diane Artis-Eley (Bobby), Landa (Carolyn), Bryant, Marvin and Donald. She was blessed with 8 grandchildren- Jessica, Nathan, Maya, Audrey, Sean, Alexa, Jackson and Sophia. Rosa had a driven love for children. She often opened her heart to care for them, including caring for her brother's daughters after the passing of their mother. Rosa was the go-to person to care for the children of her extended family, as well as children in need, neighborhood children, church family children and grandchildren. She left her home for several years to live with her youngest son and his wife to help them care for their two daughters. She asked his daughters to call her Gammie as they did up to her death. Rosa's true gift was caring for God's little children. She was naturally drawn to them, including little children out in public whom she had never met. Rosa was a life member of Little Mount Zion Baptist Church, serving on the Missionary, Senior Choir and Deaconess Ministry. Rosa was a woman of great resilience and had no problem speaking her mind or otherwise sharing exactly how she felt. She will truly be missed for many things, especially her warm hugs, love and genuine personality. A graveside service will be held noon, Monday, November 16, 2020 at Little Mount Zion Cemetery. Dr. Bazemore will deliver the message of comfort. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rosa Mae Artis, please visit our flower store.