Goodbye, Artie

Artie used to be the finance secretary at SFPC. She was an amazing person and everyone loved her. Here is what her husband Ron wrote to inform us of her passing:

Good Day:

Today it has fallen to me to find your name on a now growing but previously stored list of family and close friends - the creation of which was begun on June 11, 1998 by my lovely now departed wife, Artie Exum, of people she wanted me to contact in the event of her death. Her name was written in the "Lamb's Book of Life" long ago.

Artie has now gone to sleep with Jesus and awaits her promised reward.

Artelia Rose Whitney Exum was born November 1, 1942 in Chicago, IL to James Orlando Whitney and Artelia Rose Kahnweiler.

She died approximately 6:00 AM yesterday morning, Friday the 13th of July 2007 at the University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Her death was the result of bladder cancer which spread quickly and perforated her colon hastening her death while she was under the watchful care of hospice.

The final rupture seems to have occurred late on the second day (7/6/07) while we were in Kalaloch Lodge Cabin six. We were there in fulfilment of her "make-a-wish" request for a final family reunion so that she might interact with and see her children and grandchildren play once more on the beach of a place that was itself "Holy Ground" for her. The trip allowed her to once again see the wind swept, broken tree that had become her version of the "Tree of Life."

She re-entered the UWMC hospital late Monday and was surrounded each day thereafter by her family and many close friends during her final days. Many worked around the clock to assist my staying at her side until the end.

Among those visiting to reflect the love given them were some of her doctors, nurses, and other staff that expressly came to say goodbye and to give her back statements of their love and respect and celebrate her humor.

We were deeply honored by each visitor whose love clearly recharged her heart and left her smiling.

Appearing almost angelic was a homeless man who wound his way afoot from the Men's Shelter prayer meeting to bless her name and say goodbye.

The outpouring of love and faith was incredible and that along with Artie's own charcter and reflection of the glory of God led others to profess faith renewals toward God. This meant Artie accomplished her mission in life. So, with her love overflowing, mouthed many times with smiling but parched lips, she ever so quietly slipped away in the early morning light to a final rest.

Now I am writing to invite you to come celebrate her life and faith with us. [In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to "Shoreline Free Methodist Church" designated to the "Artie Exum Organ Transplant Fund."]

This celebration will begin with a casual dinner and fellowship for everyone starting at 5:30 PM.

Celebration and memorial of Artie's life will start at 7:00 PM.

Refreshments and fellowship will follow afterwards.