Augusta, GA - Artemisia Dennis Thevaos, “Artie”, died peacefully at her home on May 5, 2018 at the age of 86 after a long and courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).
Artie was born on July 19, 1931 in Orlando, Florida to Maria and Harry Dennis, but then moved to Augusta, Georgia when she was 6 months old. She attended William Robinson Elementary and Tubman High Schools and graduated from the Wesleyan Conservatory (Macon, GA) with a degree in music. She then went on to receive her Master’s degree in Piano Performance with the coveted Performer’s Certificate from the Indiana University School of Music studying with renowned pianist, Sidney Foster. She married Dr. Theo G. Thevaos in 1955 and they lived in Augusta their entire lives. They welcomed their son, Philip, in 1969 and Artie instilled in him her love of music.
Known throughout the Southeast as an accomplished concert pianist, teacher, and accompanist, she served on the faculty of Augusta University for over 30 years, teaching both piano and humanities. Many of her former students have gone on to successful academic and performance careers in music. Her musical partnership with former IU classmate Lydia Porro-Milham led to a concert career that spanned 50 years; performances across the Southeast, Ohio, and Texas; concerts with the Augusta and Atlanta Symphony Orchestras; and a lifelong friendship. Artie was one of the first accompanists for the Augusta Choral Society under founder, Emily Remington; served as rehearsal pianist to Robert Shaw for the inaugural concert of the Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre; and never hesitated to help a musical organization or individual if they needed a pianist. One of her favorite memories was playing for First Lady Mamie Eisenhower’s birthday tea parties during her annual visits to Augusta. She was famous for being able to step in at the last minute to help in even the most challenging situations. One year, she helped out a contestant in the Boyd International Piano Concerto Competition by playing the orchestral-piano reduction on one day’s notice.
She was an active church musician since the age of 11, serving as the first organist at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Augusta. Artie also served as Music Director/Organist at Covenant Presbyterian Church for 30 years. A faithful steward of the Greek Orthodox Church in both time and talent, she was a six-time organist for the Southeastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Choirs and Musicians annual conference and was a recipient of both the Patriarch Athenagoras and Archangel Michael Distinguished Service Awards.
Her civic contributions included membership in the Evening Optimist Club, Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Key Women Educators, the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, and the Wesleyan and Indiana University Alumni Associations.
Despite her active career, she always made time for her family and supported husband, Theo, or son, Philip, in all their interests. In her later years, she enjoyed playing duets with both her son and granddaughters. Her family always came first and she made everyone she came in contact with a special friend.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Theo, son and daughter-in-law, Philip and Celia Thevaos, and her cherished granddaughters, Mary Emma and Caroline, of Waxhaw, NC.
On Tuesday, May 8, 2018 the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Platt’s Funeral Home, 721 Crawford Ave, Augusta, GA 30904. The Trisagion Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 p.m.
On Wednesday, May 9, 2018, the family will receive friends beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 953 Telfair St, Augusta, GA 30901. The Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Vasile Bitere officiating. Interment will be in Magnolia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 953 Telfair St, Augusta, GA 30901.
The family would like to thank the caregivers of Home Instead – Monroe, Comfort Keepers – Charlotte, and Novant Health: Hospice and Palliative Care for their kindness and compassion.