Tillis Artis Roberts

Mr. Tillis Artis Roberts was born January 7, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He left his earthly clothing behind on August 22, 2023, and his spirit went to Heaven to rest. Artis had many names, Son, Uncle Artis, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Tillis, brother-in-law, cousin, big brother, friend, however he was most proud to be called “Dad and grandpa” He had a million-dollar smile and an infectious laugh. Artis began traveling early in life and moved with his mother to North Carolina where he was showered with love by his beloved Grandmother, Clarissa Roberts. Grandma Clarissa taught him about the LORD, gardening, and life principles, including the importance of having your own. Eventually, Artis relocated to Fort Myers, FL and as a high school freshman, participated in theater plays at school. Artis was very athletic and loved playing football and baseball. He even received an award for his athletic skills. Artis then relocated to Asbury Park, NJ where he continued to be showered with love from his Aunt Genevieve, and other relatives. Artis eventually, arrived in Stamford, Connecticut (CT) where he finished his HS education at Stamford High School, and post HS completed a pharmacy certification, which provided him the opportunity to be employed by Syl May Drug store as a pharmacy lab technician. It is here where he met and married Juanita Rowser. This union resulted in 1 daughter, Arnita (Nene). Robert Ingram, affectionately known as “Pop” prompted Artis to be a deep thinker, investigating the how and why things are done. Pop was able to show Artis how to incorporate street wisdom and street hustle which expanded his vision for his life, and others. Very active in the local Civil Rights movement, having met Malcolm X and MLK jr. Artis was a man that would not accept the word “NO” for his family, nor his community and believed that both could achieve the so called “American Dream”. Artis went on to invest in real estate properties and other business endeavors. He was the owner of TAR Laundromat, several apartment buildings and Sportsman’s Liquor store (Stamford), Blue Sky Bar, as well as TAR Big 3 in Alabama. He was a Boy Scout Leader, Pack #6 in Greenwich, CT., owner of the Sportsman Softball Team, and served as a crossing guard for the Pelham NY School system. He loved attending the Super Bowl, Kentucky Derby and going to Casinos. Artis was very generous to everyone he met. Selflessness was in his heart and those that knew him experienced this. Artis was very concerned about helping others and did so without expecting anything in return. Artis was a long-time member of Bethel AME church in Greenwich, CT., and took pleasure in bringing a van load of kids to church from neighboring towns because he knew and experienced what GOD could do. Artis loved music and he also loved to dance. He loved spending time with his family and loved being spoiled by them. He instilled in his family the importance of having a relationship with God and the importance of furthering their education. “Get all you can, it’s there for you, you must go get it and own it”. “To fear/reverence the Lord is the beginning of true knowledge and wisdom”. “Don’t do as I have done, do better than I have done”! Artis was preceded to Heaven by his parents Mae Ethe Roberts, Robert Ingram, and Tillis A. Rendleman. grandson- Trey Shepard, and son Warren C. Norman Sr. Artis leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy his children: Barry (Valerie), Esther (Warren), Detra, Arnita (Michael), Shawanda, Antoine, Anthony, Marcus, Kier, Damien, and Torek, 3 Goddaughters: Dawn, Cheryl and Roshawn, 1 Sister, Jackie (Dennis), 3 brother-in-laws, Lovell, Wilbur (Lois), Eugene (Peggy). 1 Sister-in-law, Jeanette. Grandchildren: Robert, Ciayra, Tanya, Warren Jr, Artemus, Marle, Michael Andrew, Trevor, Travis, Tyler, Dior, Nia, Tyjay, Tony, Yeboah, Ta’Kai, Marcus jr., Jah’karyi, Michael, Akhil, Jabari, Naeem, Nina, Jason, Jayce, 23 Great Grandchildren, and the many others that called him Dad and Grandpa, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 16th, 2023, from 12:00PM - 12:45 followed by a memorial service at 1:00PM at Bethel AME Church, 42 Lake Avenue, Greenwich, CT. 06830. Live stream will be available via Graves Medley Funeral Services. Interment will be private.

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Tillis Artis Roberts

January 7, 1941 - August 22, 2023