June 20, 1928 – Sept. 16, 2009
Artie Vernon Whitmore was one of two children born to William and Lessie Whitmore on June 20, 1928, in the city of St. Louis. He is preceded in death by both parents and his sister, Consetta Whitmore Carey.
Artie attended Banneker Elementary School and graduated from Vashon High School in 1946, both schools of excellence in the St. Louis Public School system. As a high school student he was active in the Vashon High School choir, under the direction of Dr. C. Spencer Tocus.
Artie earned his baccalaureate from Stowe Teachers College. It was there that he met and fell in love with Armetta Givens. They married in 1948 and shared nearly 61 years, actively involved in the lives of their four children, Vernon, Arthur, Deborah and Michael. He was preceded in death by Michael on September 2, 2009. As a pair of devoted parents, Artie and Armetta shared a lifelong love of learning and instilled this in the lives of their children and children of their many friends and neighbors.
It was at Stowe Teachers College where he was inducted into Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. He remained active and supportive of the Alpha mission and goals throughout his life, serving on numerous committees and projects.
He earned the master’s degree in Education Administration from University of Missouri–St. Louis.
Artie’s long and distinguished career of teaching and working as an administrator in the St. Louis Public Schools lasted some 40 years, culminated in 1992. As an administrator, he served as an institutional coordinator and principal at Marshall Elementary School and Shaw Visual and Performing Arts Center.
Artie was active in the West Side Missionary Baptist Church for more than 50 years. He experienced great joy and uplift as a faithful member of the Male Chorus, Greeters Ministry and Board of Trustees.
Notable among many awards are the 1987 Harris-Stowe State College Distinguished Alumni Award and a 1998 appointment to serve on the St. Louis City Department Boards, Commissions and Authorities.
Artie departed this life on September 16, 2009, and will be missed. He leaves to cherish his wonderful memories his devoted wife of 60 years, Armetta G. Whitmore; his loving children Vernon, Arthur and Deborah Whitmore Robinson; daughters-in-law Linda Jackson-Whitmore and Geri Whitmore; his grandchildren Stanley W. Davis, Esq., Kimberly Whitmore, Adriel Whitmore, Aisha Whitmore, William Robinson II, Andrew Whitmore and Christopher Whitmore. He is also survived by four great- grandchildren, including Jada Davis, Jenna Davis, Jelani Whitmore, Jalen Whitmore and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and many close friends.