February 3, 2021, 82, Kenly –

Della Mae Pearce Artis was born on February 16, 1938, in Kenly, NC, to Alexander and Rosetta Pearce.

She departed this life on February 3, 2021, at Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC.
Della was the oldest of three children.

Della received her formal education in Kenly, NC. Her hobbies were sewing and arts and crafts. She was well known for her cooking and baking. Della loved baking cakes for her church, friends, and family.

She loved spending time with her family, and she was loved by everyone that knew her, but most of all, she loved the Lord Jesus Christ and serving and learning about him.

Della worked at Bruce Foods in Wilson for many years until she retired.

She was a member of White Oak Grove Free Will Baptist Church in Pikeville, NC, under the leadership of Pastor Dorian Suggs. She was a faithful member and had a true love for her church family. Della was united in marriage to Nathaniel Spruill on October 2, 2004. She had seven children from a previous marriage to Johnny Artis, Jr.

Della is preceded in death by parents Alexander and Rosetta Pearce, her brother; Charles Pearce, and Sister Arlene Pearce Taylor.

Della leaves to cherish her memories five daughters: Pearline Artis and Deborah Hardy (Milton) of Raleigh, NC; Shirlene Scott (Eric) and Jacqueline Holden (Martin) of Goldsboro, NC; and Beverly Artis of Dudley, NC; two sons: Michael Artis, Wilson, NC, and Donald Artis of Dudley, NC. 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, one Aunt Irene Exum and one brother-in-law George Taylor.