Artishia M. Stephens, retired state employee

Artishia M. Stephens, 87, passed away Sunday, June 26, 2011, at the Delaware Hospice Center, Milford.

She was born in Georgetown May 8, 1924, to the late Jeremiah Conaway and Golder Conaway Elliott. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Elmer E. Conaway.

Artishia was a 1940 graduate of Howard High School, Wilmington, and the Berean Business College in Philadelphia, Pa.  She served in the U.S. Army/Air Force from 1945-49 as a staff sergeant assigned to the 99th Squadron (a division of the Tuskegee Airmen), commanded by the late four-star Gen Benjamin O. Davis Jr.

Ms. Stephens was a 39-year State of Delaware employee, first as a certified senior secretary with William C Jason Comprehensive High School in Georgetown and later as Delaware Technical & Community College's Owens Campus in Georgetown bookkeeper.

She was a member of Prospect A.M.E. Church and American Legion Warrington-Ingram Post 38.

Artishia is survived by two daughters, Marcealeate S. Ruffin of Georgetown and Stephanie A. Stephens of Claymont.  She is also survived by grandson Robert L. Ruffin Jr. and wife Kerry of Boston, Mass.; great-granddaughter Nicole Ryan Ruffin also of Boston; devoted son-in-law Robert L. Ruffin Sr.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 1, at Dickerson Chapel A.M.E. Church, N. DuPont Highway, Millsboro.  Viewing will be held at the church, from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, June 30 and 9 to 11 a.m., Friday.  There will be no viewing after the eulogy. The interment will be at the Old Field Cemetery, Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to either the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 or to Prospect A.M.E Church, P.O.Bo 223 Georgetown, DE 19947.

Funeral arrangements are being provided by Bennie Smith Funeral Homes.