Born to the late Odie Freeman and Rosa Bruton, Ester Mae attended the public grammar schools of Lenoir County, North Carolina. She joined Heath Chapel Disciple Church of Christ at an early age which she attended until maturity.

Ester Mae married the late Rev. Ed Artis, Sr. in 1960, after their marriage she became a member of Foster Chapel Disciple Church of Christ where her husband was Pastor, Founder and Builder with the assistance of her brother Elder Freeman. She was right there along side of them. It was around that time that she accepted Christ as her personal Savior. She was very active and was the Mother of the Church until her husband passed away in 1975. She remained in Kingston, NC for a few years. She later came to Camden, NJ to reside with her son and daughter. She became a member of the Victory Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Elder Rufus McLendon and remained faithful until failing health took over.

She is survived by her brother, Elder Proctor Freeman of Chesapeake, VA; sister, Mrs. Mamie Brown of Barstow CA; daughter, Alyce; son Eugene, Sr., and daughter-in-law Emma of Camden, NJ; three grandchildren, Sonja, Eugene, Jr., and LaRhonda of Camden, NJ and five stepchildren of Kinston, NC; four great-grand children, Jamir, Rocky and Alicia of Camden, NJ; Isaiah of Orlando FL, and a host of loving nieces, newphews, grand and great-grands; three loving sister-in-laws, Mrs. Mamie Williams and Mrs. Mae Carol King of Kinston, NC., Mrs. Mary Freeman of Chesepeake, VA.
A person who she accepted as her second daughter, Mrs. Bessie Harper of Norfolk, VA. Her dear friend, shouting and praying partner, Evangelist Carrie Briscoe who she loved to hear sing her favorite song “I am bound for Mt. Zion”. Because of her love, kindness and humble spirit we will miss her greatly.

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