Essie Lee Banks was born on May 8, 1928, in Wheelwright, Kentucky. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, in Blythewood, South Carolina. She was the beloved daughter of Josephine Thomas Brown and George Brown. Essie was preceded in death by her husband Archie Lee Banks, son Clyde E. Banks, and her parents Josephine Lampkin and George Brown.

Essie was an only child whose early years were marked by frequent relocations. Her family lived in different states from Wewahitchka, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee, where her grandmother Rosa Lee Thomas worked as the head chef for the governor. She also lived in Kentucky, Georgia, and Ohio. Essie spent much of her formative years under the loving care of Mr. Bill McCary whom she called “Daddy” while her mother battled tuberculosis in a sanitarium. 

Essie graduated from Paul Dunbar High School in Wheelwright, Kentucky. She went on to earn a degree in Theology from Emmanuel Bible College in Macon, Georgia. In her late twenties, Essie found her faith in Christ. It was a transformation that led her to becoming a minister and a dedicated evangelist. Her deep understanding of the bible and her love of Jesus were cornerstones of her long and illustrious life. Essie was involved in her community, providing counsel for shut-ins and provided eulogies for the indigent. She also served as the Sunday School Superintendent of several churches for many years. Later in life, she taught weekly bible study at Wildwood Downs nursing home. She also preached many messages at Harvest Fellowship Church and held online bible study well into her 90’s. Beyond her spiritual journey, Essie was a woman of many talents. She enjoyed cooking, home decorating, drawing, and was an accomplished orator. Her warmth, wisdom, and vibrant personality touched many lives. She was deeply loved by her family and friends. 

Essie’s enduring legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed by her surviving children Stanley E. Banks, Charlotte, NC; Archie E. Banks, Texas; Sharon E. (Richard) Mitchell and Michael E. (Claudette) Banks, Portland, OR. ;Twelve grandchildren Shannon (Myron) Marsh, Stanley (Daphne) Banks Jr., Sonya Banks, Melonny (Gary) King, Tiffany(Alvin) Brewer, Hillary(Marcus) Baucom, Bethany(Kiante) Smith, Eric Banks, Kelli (Reshaud)Smith, Clyde Banks, Elena Banks, and Christi Banks;  Twenty great grandchildren Mark Banks, Madison Merriweather, Lillian Merriweather, Taylor Marsh, Zoe Banks, Zaria Banks, Avery Banks, Austin Banks, Austin Brewer, Erin Banks, Eric Banks Jr., Tamorri Banks, Eris Banks, Ryan Smith, Rayden Smith, Paris Banks, Kayla Banks, Herbie Banks, Ella Banks and James Anthony Smith .

Essie also leaves a host of spiritual children including Ruth and Danny Davis, Reggie King, Pastor Reginald and Lisa May, Sharon Holmes, Bruce Young, Pat Jenright, Neil Leonard, Tracy Brown, and Reggie Cummings. She also leaves many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Reflecting on her life, Essie once said “I came into the world with my hands stretched out. I had nothing and now I have what you, God, put in my life, that has blessed me and helped make me who I am.”

A special thank you to the Lutheran Hospice.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Harvest Fellowship Church/Charity/Nonprofit

For those unable to attend, the service will be streaming live via the following link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/f24103760903992