Vertice Lee Bankhead

1918 - 2014

ODESSA Vertice Lee Rogers Bankhead made her journey to her eternal home with God at age 95, on February 19, 2014, at Parks Methodist. She was born on April 25, 1918, in Hagerman, New Mexico, to Samuel L. Rogers and Mary Manning Rogers. She graduated from Bronte High School in 1936. She was married to Rufus E. Bankhead August 24, 1936. She moved to Lubbock, TX, in 1937. Her husband preceded her in death on February 27, 1957. She was also preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Dee Rogers and Wiley Rogers, and her sisters, Gladys Rogers and Naoma Bankhead.
She is survived by three children, Sherry Cates and husband A.V. of Odessa, TX; Royce Bankhead and wife Sharon of Williamsburg, VA; and Douglas Bankhead and wife Sandy of Refugio, TX.
She was the proud grandmother of twelve grandchildren, Carl, Marc, Eric, Ruth, Richard, Timothy, Ramona, Dana, Bryan, Lyndi, Ross and Scott. She was the great grandmother of seventeen great grandchildren, Caleb, Kitra, Bethany, Aubrey, Nathaniel, Nayeli, Abby, Noah, Gillian, George, Ruben, Andrew, Madelyn, Hannah, Jackson, Taryn and Jayce.
She graduated from Lubbock School of Vocational Nursing on December 30, 1959. She served and cared for many people in that capacity for over 20 years. She worked for several doctors, for Methodist Hospital, for Texas Tech Infirmary, for Texas Tech Medical Clinic, and retired in 1979 from Texas Tech After Hours Clinic. She lived in Lubbock until 2002, when she moved to Odessa, TX, to be closer to her family
She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ. She was always encouraging, willing to listen and willing to help. She served many times as the chauffeur for friends and family to doctors appointments, meetings and sometimes sight seeing tours. One of the great joys in her life was her involvement in the World Bible School. She received special recognition for that service. She participated for many years in the Impact program at Lubbock Christian University. She was also an active member of the Golden Rays at Monterey Church of Christ. She traveled with this group making many trips all over the country. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be remembered by us all for her caring spirit and willingness to serve.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Parks Methodist Retirement Home for the constant faithful and loving care given to her and also Odessa Home Hospice for their comfort, care and support during this long illness.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be sent to Lubbock Christian University, Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock, Odessa Home Hospice or Parks Methodist.
The family will receive friends at Frank Wilson Funeral Directors on Friday, February 21, 2014, from 6-8 p.m.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 22, 2014, at Sherwood Church of Christ at 10 a.m. with Lynn Money officiating. There will also be a graveside service at Resthaven Cemetery in Lubbock on Saturday, February 22, 2014, at 4:00 p.m. with Carl Cates officiating.
Services are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.