Mrs. Artis Lorine Lackland

Artis Lorine Lackland was born March 6, 1926, in Heafer, Arkansas, to the late Andrew Verta Aikens and Loubetris Franklin Aikens. From this union, Artis and eight additional children were born: Augusta Pruitt, Robert Aikens, Bernice Clifton, Edith Pickett, Andrew Aikens, Eileen Wofford, Juanita Holden, and Earnest Aikens, who passed at birth. Artis accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She attended St. Paul Baptist Church in Heafer, Arkansas. She later became a member of Saint Luke Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Shipp, later Rev. James E. Turner, and most recently Pastor Darris Sims, where she served in the choir, on the pastor’s aide committee, and on the mothers’ board in her later years. She loved her church family, and everyone she met loved her. In 1945, Artis met and married her soulmate, Deacon Theodore Roosevelt Lackland, who preceded her in death. Artis and Roosevelt loved one another deeply, and from this beautiful union, as Granny would jokingly call them, “six of the dumbest kids in the world,” were born: Jean (Kenneth) Walker and Rhonda (Claudia) Lackland of Chicago, IL, Beverley Lackland of Jonesboro, AR, Cathy Allen of Memphis, TN, Gail Lackland of Conway, AR, and Scottie (Valentina) Lackland of Marion, Arkansas. Artis also has a granddaughter she raised as a daughter, DeLisa (Cheyenne) Cheers of Earle, AR. Artis was a fun and loving mother and wife. She lived a long and fulfilling life, recently celebrating her 100th birthday. She loved playing the organ and baking her famous cakes, rolls, and pies. She was also an avid Memphis Grizzlies fan. Artis was a mother to all who needed her. Her home was a place of comfort and care. Through years of devoted childcare, she played a meaningful role in shaping the lives of many children, offering not just supervision but love, guidance, and a sense of security that stayed with them as they grew. Artis was also a wise and comical woman. She loved sharing wisdom with her family, talking on the phone, and joking with them. She will be dearly missed, but she will never be forgotten. On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Artis was called home to be with the Lord. She leaves behind to cherish her life, memories, and legacy: one sister, Eileen Aikens Wofford of Kansas City, MO; her children; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. “Now is your time of sorrow, but I will see you again, and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:22

Mrs. Artis Lorine Lackland

March 6, 1926 - April 15, 2026