Reverend Artis Laverne Hairston-Smith was born on September 5, 1941, to the late Reverend Richard Hairston and Bessie Lee Hooper-Hairston in Winston-Salem, NC. On September 28, 2023, Artis exchanged her cross for a crown at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and heeded the call to join her heavenly Master.

Artis was educated in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Schools, where she graduated from Atkins High School. With a desire to further her education, she received an associate's degree from Winston-Salem Business College.

Throughout her career, Artis worked in many roles, including as a data coordinator for the local office of Forsyth Mental Health, in human resources for the regional office of Mental Health Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse, in developmental affairs for Winston-Salem State University, and as an administrative assistant for Moore School and Northwest Middle School. She retired after 30 years of service.

Artis was born and raised in a household where Jesus Christ was at the center. With courage, joy and passion, this conviction sustained her throughout her life here on earth. On November 2, 1997, Artis answered the call to preach the gospel. Under the leadership of the late Reverend Joseph R. Samuels, she shared her initial message and was licensed to preach at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church. In December 2001, Reverend Smith was ordained by the Rowan Baptist Association. It was at this time that she stepped out on faith and founded New Century Missionary Baptist Church. Her burning passion and dedication led her to pursue a bachelor of arts degree in undergraduate studies at Vintage Bible College. She also attended classes at Winston-Salem State University, Salem College, Forsyth Tech and seminarian affairs at Wake Forest University.

Reverend Smith graduated from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center's Chaplaincy and Pastoral Education Unit. She pastored with faith and compassion until her health declined, and she left the church in the hands of capable leadership. She then joined United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as an associate minister and missionary and absolutely loved her church and pastor.

Reverend Smith served in various organizations throughout the community and abroad, including the Ministers Conference of Winston Salem & Vicinity, Rowan Congress of Christian Education, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., the Progressive National Conventions, Inc., and as a board member of Today's Woman.

Awaiting Reverend Smith's heavenly entrance are those who have gone before her: her parents; her sisters, Dorothy Hairston, Catherine Jackson, Fostenia Lyons, Shirley Bohannon and Ophelia Abney; and her devoted cousin, Alexander "June Barber" Hooper.

Reverend Smith's legacy of faith and love remains in the hearts of her sister, Gwendolyn Lawrence (Detroit, MI); her devoted children, Vickie Gates-Hairston, Shirley Duncan, Kevin (Tawanna) Gates and Donald Murphy; grandchildren, Robert (Kristin) Duncan, Lamar Duncan, Jabar (Maria) Duncan, Shawnté Gates, Robert Hairston Jr., Christian (Carmen) Hairston Sr. and Michelle Duncan; great-grandchildren, Hailee Duncan, Phoenix Taylor, Christian Hairston Jr., Chloe Hairston, Taurean Holland Jr., Zoey Duncan and Walter Duncan; a devoted friend she has had since the first grade, Ms. Ruby Cain; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and foster children whom she adored.

A public viewing will be held Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Douthit's. A service of celebration will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2023, at 12 p.m. (noon) at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem with Dr. Alvin C. Armstead officiating and interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday at the church.