Patricia Artis

Patricia Elaine Artis

The Family

Our mother’s heart is exemplified in this verse:

“My brothers, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. For example, a

man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and a poor man dressed in dirty

clothes also comes in. If you look with favor on the man wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here in a good place,”

and yet you say to the poor man, “Stand over there,” or, “Sit here on the floor by my footstool,” haven’t you

discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my dear brothers: Didn’t God

choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He has promised to those who love

Him? If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep

warm, and eat well,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it? In the same way faith, if it

doesn’t have works, is dead by itself.”

James 2:1-5, 15-17 HCSB

Patricia Elaine Artisin Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Leslie and Doretha Cameron Artis.

Patricia, affectionately known as “Patsy” or “Pat,” was their third eldest child.

During her youth, Patricia came to know the Lord. In 1970, she graduated

Simon Gratz High School. She did various jobs until she began working at banks like Mellon PSFS

and eventually the Federal Reserve Bank, where she served as an overnight data entry coordinator

until 1990. Throughout her life, she struggled with various medical conditions. Despite the reports

from the doctors, she fought hard and lived a life that touched so many lives.

In 1973, Patricia married Benjamin Cruel, Jr., and raised their four children. After rededicating her

life to Christ, Pat hosted a “Lift Jesus Higher” party and, in 1984, joined New Covenant Church of

Philadelphia, currently under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Bob Oliver. She remained a

devoted member until her transition, serving in the tape, drama, and LCT ministries.

She had a great sense of humor, a witty nature, an analytical mind, honesty, and dependability.

She was passionate about education and politics, mainly because she was an avid reader and

lifelong learner. Patsy was a fun person to hang out with. She loved playing games, whether

cards, jax, or bowling, music, and dancing. If the right song played, she would jump up and say

“that’s my song” and proceed to bop when appropriate. Patsy titled herself as “She Who Must Be

Obeyed.” Yet, she will be remembered by her descendants for her abundance of love, support,

and sacrifices. Patricia was such a giver, often donating to charities and opening her home to

family and friends over the years.

Despite constantly battling with her health, she found ways to give or get a smile. Patricia

transitioned at her home on Friday, July 4, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie

and Doretha; her siblings Estalene, Thad (Leon), Cecelia, and Tina.

She leaves to cherish her fond memories, her children: Tawanda, Tanya (Malachi), Kyle (Jenan),

and Karla; grandchildren: Demetrius Jr. (Thomasina), Dominique, Kayla, Tyanniece, Zamar, and

Ezekiel; great-grandchildren: Zaina, Maika’i, Nia, and Demetrius III; sisters: Myra, Karen, Leslie,

and brothers: Nathaniel, Anthony (Deborah), Robert, and Jerome; aunts: Christine, Juanita, Naomi,

Lauretta, and Thesalonia; godchildren: Tasha, Kian, and Anaya; and a host of nieces, nephews,

cousins, family, and friends.

Sorrowfully submitted,

The Family

Our mother’s heart is exemplified in this verse:

“My brothers, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. For example, a

man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and a poor man dressed in dirty

clothes also comes in. If you look with favor on the man wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here in a good place,”

and yet you say to the poor man, “Stand over there,” or, “Sit here on the floor by my footstool,” haven’t you

discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my dear brothers: Didn’t God

choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He has promised to those who love

Him? If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep

warm, and eat well,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it? In the same way faith, if it

doesn’t have works, is dead by itself.”

James 2:1-5, 15-17 HCSB

Mothers Never Die

You have never lost your mother,

Though you’ve said your last goodbyes,

Though there’s heartbreak in the parting,

No one’s mother really dies.

If you love to hear the old songs

For memories they bring,

It’s because you had a mother

who taught your heart to sing.

If you stop to help a neighbor,

Search your heart and you will find,

It’s because you had a mother

who taught you to be kind.

If you go to church when weary,

Seeking God to guide your way,

It’s because you had a mother

who taught you how to pray.

No, you’ve never lost your mother,

Though you’ve said your last goodbyes,

Through your thoughts and deeds she’s living,

No one’s mother really dies.

-Unknown

Tawanda, Tanya, Kyle & Karle