Woman, 64, killed in wheelchair while crossing Suffolk roadway

SUFFOLK

Betty Jean Artis, 64, was struck and killed while in her wheelchair at about 6:45 p.m. Friday on Constance Road near the Plaza West Shopping Center.

A Chevrolet SUV struck Artis.

Ramashani Bakari of the 400 block of Maryland Ave. in Portsmouth, was charged with driving with a suspended license, city spokeswoman Debbie George said.

Artis, a native of Windsor and a home-care nurse, lived at the nearby Chorey Park Apartments, resident manager Theresa Boone said.

Boone said it wasn't unusual for residents to cross Constance Road to get to restaurants and shops in the shopping center.

She said Artis was active in the apartment complex's residents' council.

Brandon Randleman, a nephew, said Monday that his aunt had an auto accident in 2001 that left her disabled.

But she was very active and independent, he said.

"She used to say, 'I don't have my car, but at least I can roll around,' " Randleman said.

Artis was known for always having her hair and nails done, he said.

A funeral will be at 1 p.m.

Saturday at Christian Home Baptist Church, 20123 Longview Drive in Suffolk.

The family will gather at the home of Artis' sister, Marzina Frances, in the 1000 block of Truman Road in Suffolk.

"Ms. Artis was a kind of quiet woman," Boone said. "It was dark and raining Friday night. I tell them all to be careful."

Linda McNatt, (757) 222-5561, linda.mcnatt@pilotonline.com