Mr. Decoris Lee Artis

Decoris Lee Artis, 83, of Williamsburg, VA, went home to be with Jesus on September 13, 2023. He was born on January 14, 1940, in Wayne County, North Carolina and was raised in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Decoris was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Decoris is survived by his wife, Louise, his daughter and son in-law, Andrea and Andre Morgan, his daughter and son in-law, Deanna & Keven Jones, his son and daughter in-law, Anthony and Natasha Artis, his grandchildren: Llorel Artis, Shane Jones (and spouse, Sara Jones), Branisha Meekins, Andre Morgan, Kanaan Jones and Noella Jones. He is also survived by his uncle, Lemuel Artis, his niece, Marian Artis, his sister in-law, Anne Carandola, and other nieces and nephews residing in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Washington DC. Decoris will be deeply missed by his lifelong friends: Judson Riddick, Charlie & Nanette Taylor, Hye Hwa Porter, Leslie & Ronnie Artis.
Decoris was preceded in death by his father, Edward Lee Artis, his mother, Allene Forte Artis, his brother, Demetrius Artis, his sister-in-law, Betty Ann Artis, and his lifelong friend, Fred Porter.
Decoris attended the historic James Adams Community School from 1st thru 9th grade, graduating in 1955. He went on to graduate from Scott Senior High School in 1958 and continued three years of higher education.
Decoris had a distinguished military career, serving in the US Army for 20 years. His dedication and commitment to his country were unparalleled, and he proudly represented the military associations throughout his service. Early on in his military career he would meet his beautiful wife of 58 years, Louise Mazza in New York.
Following his military service, Decoris joined the Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, where he worked as an Industrial Equipment Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor for 20 years. He retired in 2013, having dedicated a total of 40 years of combined service to the government of the United States of America.
During retirement, Decoris enjoyed every moment of his life with his wife in Williamsburg, Virginia. He took great pride in caring for his home, both inside and out, and enjoyed nature and the outdoors. Decoris was particularly fond of feeding the birds and appreciating the animals, with the exception of his ongoing battle against moles which he shared with his longtime neighbors, Bill & Barbara Nichols.
Decoris Lee Artis will always be remembered for his love for his family, his dedication to his country, and his zest for life. Whether vacationing on cruises or at Disney World, discussing politics, watching a good game or offering wisdom filled advice, his memory will forever live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.
Thank you to everyone who has touched Decoris Artis’ life, to Sentara Williamsburg Hospital, and also to those who attended his homegoing service today. Decoris became a more active Christian during his retirement and loved Jesus with his whole heart. He is now free in heaven with our Savior walking on streets of gold… He’ll see you when you get there!