Artie Mae was born to Willie Mae and Artie Woolridge on February 19, 1926 in Weimar, Texas in Colorado County. She grew up not too far away, in Eagle Lake, Texas, where she attended E. H. Henry, the school for blacks that had opened a few years earlier. Artie resided in Eagle Lake until 1955 when she relocated to Houston, Texas.

Around that time, she became employed by the Goldston family of the Goldston Oil Corporation as a nanny, responsible for caring for the children. In 1959, Artie transitioned to the employment of the Goldston daughter, Patti, after her marriage. In this capacity, Artie helped with the rearing of three children: Lydia, Trey, and Tad. Her employment afforded her the opportunity to travel with the family, including a yearly trip to their summer home in Polson, Montana.

Artie's employment with the Mayfields concluded in 1976 and she began to devote all of her time to her family. We were so happy to have Artie all to ourselves to enjoy her company and her great cooking! She continued spoiling each of her nieces and nephews over the years, having special and unique relationships with each one.

In 1966 Artie met the love of her life, Lorenzo "Pick" Waddy. They were married in 1969 and united with Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church shortly thereafter. Over the years, Artie was an active, vital member of Jordan Grove, where she attended Sunday School and service regularly, and served on Usher Board #2 well into her 90s. In 2002, she was so proud of her husband as he was installed as a deacon and she joined the ranks of deacon's wife.

Artie's love of life was evident to everyone who knew her. Though soft-spoken and not a big talker in public, she was passionate, caring, and personable. Her love for family was unmatched. She personified love on display through her actions every day in both big and small ways. She was the family caregiver before the term even existed! We are so grateful that we had the opportunity to spend this past Thanksgiving and Christmas with her as the family gathered and loved on her.

Artie was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Mae and Artie Woolridge; sisters Willie Light Malone and Barbara Fletcher; brothers Artie Woolridge Jr., and Joe Willie Woolridge; and husband, Lorenzo Waddy. She leaves to cherish and honor her memory her sister, Brenda Waddell; brother Alex Woolridge, and a host of special nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews: we were all special to Artie.