Artis Driver Sr. 62 of Danville, Illinois, passed this life on Saturday, October 16, 2021. He was born on December 3, 1958 in Webb, Mississippi. Artis attended Danville High School. His greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Growing up, Artis loved to play sports, he loved to dance, play cards, and working on homes. He enjoyed walking the town of Danville, and entertaining his loved ones. Artis played youth football with the Lincoln Raiders. He played football with Northridge Middle School, and he also played football with District 118 in high school. Artis was best known for talking trash, his stylish dressing, mispronouncing words, his great sense of humor, and he did not like anyone in his business. Artis was also known for contacting his family is the “wee” hours of the morning just to say hello, tell his family he loves them, or just to say happy birthday. He never forgot anyone’s birthday call each year. Our dear loved Artis is also known as old “Fruit Man.” That nickname is a compliment of his stylish suit with fruit prints all over his suit.
Artis was survived by his beloved life partner Lamonya Harris, Danville, IL; brother Eddie (Rose) Driver, Decatur, IL; brother Edgar Driver, Danville, IL; sister Josie Driver, Danville, IL; brother James Driver, Danville, IL; brother Jessie (Loretta) Driver, Danville, IL; sister LaVonnia Driver, Danville, IL; Artis has 15 children. Daughter Artia Driver, Danville, IL; son Artis (Kristen) Driver Jr, Danville, IL; love daughter Ashley Elam by way of Linda Robinson; daughter Ardis-Denise (LouRengo) Summers, Atlanta, GA; daughter A’Rosha (Senqua) Minter, Decatur, GA; Artaii (Aireale) Driver, Decatur, GA; by way of Rita Whitfield; son Arvis Driver, Memphis, TN; Averion Driver, Memphis, TN; love daughter Arnesha Tucker by way of Coretta Tucker; son Ireland Driver, Champaign, IL; love daughter Tashyra Davis by way of Lillian Driver; son Arjay Driver, Danville, IL; love sons Anthony Mayfield, Amari Mayfield, and Arnold Mayfield by way of Lamonya Harris. He was also survived by Aunt Mamie Robinson; Danville, IL; Aunt Jessie Mae Johnson, Detroit, MI; and Uncle Willie Picket, Webb, MS. Artis leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, 40 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother Josephine Drive, maternal grandfather Pete Davis, sister Maple Driver, Brother McKinley Driver, Sister Nancy Driver, brother TC Driver, Sister Cynthia Driver, and great grandson Masai Smith.
A Homegoing Celebration will commence at 12:00 Noon Tuesday October 26, 2021 at New Life Church of Faith, 1419 N. Bowman Ave., Danville. Eulogist: Pastor Leo Davis. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow after at Spring Hill Cemetery.
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