Beatrice Banks

In Loving Memory of Beatrice Irene Banks

God, in his infinite grace and mercy, called home to eternal joy and peace his faithful servant, Beatrice Irene Banks, on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

Beatrice was born on August 25, 1940, in Richmond, Virginia, to the late Moses and Beatrice Norris. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, and her favorite Scripture was Proverbs 3:5–6. Trust in the Lord with all thy heart; and lean not on thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Beatrice received her education through Richmond Public Schools. Early in her career, she worked at JCPenney’s, where she was known for her wonderful sense of fashion and her eye for style. She loved helping others look and feel their very best and took great pride in her own appearance, style, and fashion.

Beatrice faithfully served as a Deaconess at Bethlehem Baptist Church. She had a deeply caring spirit and was always willing to pray with anyone she felt needed prayer. Her compassion for others was evident in the way she gave so freely of herself. If someone needed a coat or clothing, she would gladly give what she had, even taking the coat off her own back to help someone in need.

She also loved crossword puzzles and had a special way of keeping track of each one. She would carefully date each page after completing a puzzle, reflecting her thoughtful and organized nature. Her all-time favorite television show was Family Feud, which she enjoyed along with her favorite treats ice cream and lemon pie. She also cherished fellowship with family and friends and enjoyed attending women’s ministry, where she found joy in faith, friendship, and community.

Beatrice was preceded in death by her parents, Moses and Beatrice Norris; her brothers, Irvin E. Norris and Musa Rashada; her daughter, Lisa Jackson; her husband, Charles W. Banks; eight brothers-in-law, Randolph and Roscoe Banks (Bessie), Roger, Elmer, Walter, Bobby, Andrew, and Jimmy Jackson; and three sisters-in-law, Mary Thomas (Tom), Barbara Dent, and Francis Dillard.

She leaves to cherish her memory her three daughters, Shirley Lewis (Winfred, Sr.), Patricia Lacy (Mark, Sr.), and Sylvia Daniel (Timothy, Sr.); six grandchildren, Winfred Jr. (Tenika), Jasmine, Mark Jr. (Adara), Patrice (Cedric), Tamia, and Timothy Jr.; three great-grandchildren, Emorie, Eliza, and Grayson; four devoted sister-in-laws, Charlotte Wood, Annie Banks, Carlotta Jackson and Sharon Bryant, and one brother-in-law, Thomas Banks (Charlie); two devoted nephews, David and Mike; and a host of additional sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.