Ms. Verna Banks

VERNA BANKS took her own sweet time reaching the pearly gates of Heaven. Over 100 years, plus a couple more years. In fact, she was less than six months from celebrating another remarkable birthday in a remarkable life. She as the youngest of four children raised by Ira and Velma Kirk on a 40-acre farm in Magnolia, Arkansas. She lived to become the beloved matriarch of her family, a role she held graciously and humbly with pride and joy, She was the mother of twelve children and the favorite relative of many family members. Matriarchs are cherished in Black communities because they are the glue to the past, present and future of our families, A 102-year-old matriarch is a truly rare and beautiful gift to us all. If you knew Verna Lee Banks, you immediately felt her kind, generous heart and disarming laugh. She had her share of hardships, but she always found a way to make those around her feel the sun on their shoulders. And if you really, really knew her, then you know she was a die-hard Bucks fan. Wouldn't miss a game on tv. Her love for the game came from playing guard on her girls' basketball team in the eighth grade. She claimed to be a good ball-handler and shooter. She also looked forward to holidays and family gatherings. Even in her 90's, she would take long car trips to family reunions, and she had the sharpest memory of everybody. Faith anchored her long life. St. Marks AME Church was her church home for many decades. It was in this sanctuary that she served on the Senior Usher Board. She also helped with the usher board's annual Easter Breakfast. She enjoyed talking with young ushers. On the second Saturday in December, Verna Banks completed her journey in this life in peace and grace and surrounded by her loving family. She is preceded in death by her father, Ira Kirk; her mother, Velma Kirk; her sister, Mary (K.C.) Jones. two brothers, James W. (Arma) Kirk Sr, and Theodis (Louise) Kirk; Verna's husband, Curtis Banks. Sister-in-laws, Arma Kirk & Louise Kirk; her Children, Debra Kay, Artis Lee Banks, Willie Banks, Bobby Ray Banks, Chester Ray Banks, Kenneth Ray, Johnnie Banks, David Banks, Bettye J. Banks (daughter- in-law); her nieces, Velma (Ernest) Grayson, Peggy Ann Lewis, Linda Kirk, Queenie Kirk, and Rosalyn Banks; grandsons, Steve Banks, Johnnie Banks, Jr.; her great grandson, Demerio Thomas; her great nephews, Dary L King and Kelvin Grayson. She is survived by her sons, Ira Roosevelt Banks and Archie Banks, her daughter and caregiver, JoAnn Banks; her grandchildren, Scott Banks, Valecha Banks, Veronica Banks, Connie Banks, Peltric Banks, Traci Banks, Bernard (Rachel) Banks, Tasha Hall; niece, Florida Vee King; nephews, James W. (Doris) Kirk, Jr, Larry (Rhonda) Kirk, Dwight Kirk; great niece, Markesha Grayson, Allison Medley, Gia Hale. great nephews, Ernnie Grayson, Vernnie (Dionne) Grayson, and Ryan King. Along with a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Our dear matriarch's legacy of kindness and longevity lives on in the many lives she touched and the family she deeply cherished.

Ms. Verna Banks

May 30, 1923 - December 13, 2025