Deacon Artis Riley

July 26, 1926 – July 31, 2026 - "Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23

Deacon Artis Riley, age 100, transitioned from this life on Friday July 31, 2026, at his home. He was born on July 26, 1926, in Macon, Mississippi.

Artis was a former member Greater Bethlehem Temple Church where he served as Head Deacon, Chairman of the Usher Board and member of the Executive Board of Directors. Most recently he was a member of Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ where he served as a Deacon.

Deacon Riley worked many years at the General Electric Company. Artis Riley AKA (DEC) was known for his ability to tear down and to build up. He was truly a "Mr., Fix It." If given a saw, hammer, screwdriver, and nails he was sure to make something good happen.

Deacon Riley was a man committed to The Lord Jesus Christ and stood firm in his faith. He was preceded in death by his parents West and Mary Alice Riley also by his first wife Altha Mae Riley and his late wife Mattie Belle Johnson George Riley. Also proceeding him in death were 3 sisters and 4 brothers. Dec was also preceded in death by 2 stepdaughters Beverly Essex, Cincinnati, Ohio and Barbara Graham Topeka, Kansas, 2 step great grandson Jason Jones and Daryll Miles and a great-great grand Tamore Jones.

Deacon Riley leaves to cherish his memory 4 stepsons, Jesse George Jr, Gregory George Sr,(Rosie) of Cleveland Ohio, Mark George (Amy), Daniel George, Atlanta, Georgia. 5 stepdaughters, Minnie Schwartz (Leonard) Detroit, Michigan, Frankie Johnson, Mary Miles Atlanta Georgia, Pastor Vickie Jones (Bishop Curtsi L. Jones Sr), Rachael Conlisk (Patrick) Portugal, a goddaughter Viola Woodard, 47 grandchildren and over 100 great-grandchildren and a host of relatives, and friends.

Friends and family are invited to New Life and Spirit Revival Center, 315 East 9th Street on Wednesday August 12th from 11:00 to until the Home Going Celebration at 1:00pm with Pastor Anthony Laster of Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ Eulogizing and Pastor Curtis L. Jones Jr Officiant. Professional Arrangements entrusted to Pitts Funeral Home 2926 Pine Ave, Erie, Pa. 16504.