Dolores Louise (Artis) Coward

“When peace like a river attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll:

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,”

“It is well, It is well with my soul.”

The Life of Dolores Louise Artis Coward

Dolores Louise Artis Coward entered this life on January 6th, 1938.  Dolores was the oldest child of four (4) children.  Dolores and her  brother, Edward were born in New York City (Harlem Hospital) to  William Artis and Louise Artis.

The Artis family later moved to her father’s hometown of Farmville, North Carolina, where her other two (2) brothers, Frederick (“Freddie “) and William (“Willie “) were born.

Dolores grew up in the family church, MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH of Farmville.  Her public schooling took place at H.B. Sugg Elementary and H.B. Sugg High School where she graduated in 1956.  While in high school, Dolores was a star guard on the Girls’ Basketball Team, as well as a member of the High School Marching Band playing the clarinet.

A true born leader indeed, she was always busy studying or helping out at home by being the unofficial leader of the “pack”, and bossing her brothers around and making sure all of her father and mother assignments for her brothers were completed on time.

Dolores’ reputation for her athletic skills was well known in high school, as well as in her neighborhood.  Her brothers and their friends feared playing basketball with her on the basketball court because she could outplay all of them, which proved embarrassing to the males.

After graduating from H.B. Sugg, Dolores went on to college, North Carolina Central College (“NCC”), Durham, N.C., where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master of Arts Degrees in Physical Education.  Further, Dolores completed some advanced Doctoral Studies at Columbia University in New York City.

Dolores joined the “ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA (AKA )  SORORITY” while attending NCC.

Upon graduation from NCC, Dolores married her college school mate, Charles Coward on August 30th, 1964, and they lived in Kinston, N.C.

Dolores was first employed by Saint Augustine College, Raleigh, N.C. and headed up the Women Division of the Athlete Department.  Being raised in a Christian household, wanting to keep her faith strong and grounded, Dolores continued her religious experience at Saint Augustine Episcopal Diocese Church.

Dolores would later take several high school teaching assignments in North Carolina and other states.

When Dolores health was challenged, she left the teaching arena, and spent the last few decades living occasionally in either Oak Haven Senior Village Facilities, and East Carolina Rehab and Wellness Facilities, Greenville, N.C.

Dolores and Charles Coward would later be divorced.  Her past time was spent watching her favored TV programs or listening to music on her CD players.

Dolores is preceded in death by her parents, William H. Artis and Louise T. Artis, brothers Edward H. Artis and William E. Artis, and Cousin Christoper T. Artis.

She is survived by her brother, Frederick T. Artis (Bettye), Nieces and Nephews: Brenda Lewis, Tamara Dawkins, Alishia Morgan, Fericka Key, Nadia Artis, Donald Bynum, Edward Artis Jr., Lorenzo Artis, sister-in-law Melba Artis (Willie deceased) Toshia Artis, Adayan Artis.  A host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, loyal health care givers, and friends.

A LIFE OF GIVING, A LOVE ALWAYS FELT, AND A LEGACY FOREVER REMEMBERED!

THE FAMILY

The Celebration of Life Service will be livestreamed via Facebook Live via Rountree Family Mortuary & Cremation Service.  Look for the green "R".

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