Artie Britt

Artie Lee Britt, 83, of Enid, Okla., formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010, at Integris Bass Baptist Health Center.

She was born Nov. 17, 1926, in Cape Girardeau, to Leon and Naomi Davis Vandivort. She was educated at University High School and Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Saint Luke's Hospital Training School in St. Louis and obtained a bachelor's of science degree from Central State University of Edmond, Okla.

She married Norman Gene Britt Dec. 27, 1952. The couple lived in Paducah, Ky., and Iowa City, Iowa, and moved to Enid in 1955.

Artie worked as a registered nurse at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tenn.; Barnes Hospital, St. Louis; and University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City. After moving to Enid, she worked at St. Mary's Hospital, Enid General Hospital and from 1972 to 1982 was both an instructor and a coordinator at the OT Autry Area Vo-Tech Center School of Practical Nursing. During that period, when she and the other teaching staff were there, none of the center's 161 nursing students failed to pass their state board examinations.

Artie enjoyed her family, dogs, collecting antiques, traveling and was a member of First United Methodist Church since 1955 and belonged to the Sooner Sunday School Club for more than 50 years. She was a member of the JC Janes, Junior Welfare League, Tri-Beta Study Club, Kappa Kappa Iota retired teachers group and supported the YWCA.

She is survived by husband, Norman; son Mike of Enid; son Bill and three grandsons of Leighton Buzzard, England; and a brother, Bill Vandivort of Sikeston, Mo.

Artie was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Arthur Clayton Vandivort; and sister, Nancy Vandivort Morrow.

The funeral was on Monday, Sept. 13, 2010, at First United Methodist Church. Dr. Grayson Lucky officiated. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Brown-Cummings Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to United Methodist Women or YWCA with the Brown-Cummings Funeral Home serving as custodians of funds.

Condolences may be made online to the family at Brown-Cummings.com.