Shirley Banks

CARBONDALE -- Shirley Banks, 65, was born Jan. 16, 1946, in Mendenhall, Miss., to Augustus Jaynes and Louvenia Hayes. She received her primary and secondary education within the local school system; graduating from McLauren Vocational Attendance Center in McGhee, Miss., and continued her vocational training receiving her certification as a certified nursing assistant.

Shirley was raised in a Christian home where she learned many valuable lessons that helped carry her through life. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her personal savior and was baptized, uniting with Mount Zion Baptist Church.

Seeking better economic opportunities, she migrated to Chicago in 1966 where she met the love of her life in the person of Isaac Banks. After a brief courtship, they were united in holy matrimony March 17, 1967. To this union, three children were born. Shirley loved her family and this love found its ultimate fulfillment as she nurtured and helped to provide for them. Oh, how she loved those kids, and when the grandchildren started to come she lavished upon them the same kind of love and attention that she had given her children.

Shirley loved life, all of life, and she had a well-rounded life. There was balance between her employment, her family and her faith. She loved caring for her patients as a nurse and worked in that capacity for more than 35 years. She loved caring for people, especially her family. She always desired a close relationship with her family and, in her later years, she was able to reconnect with her siblings and she truly enjoyed getting to know them and forming a closer bond.

In 1999, she and Isaac relocated to Carbondale. Here she had the opportunity to enjoy her hobbies and the good clean fresh air of South-ern Illinois. She loved knitting, outdoor activities, fishing, cooking and bowling. She made beautiful quilts for all of her grandchildren and some lucky friends as well.

After moving to Carbondale, Shirley united with Rock Hill M.B.C and developed a love for the word of God. She learned the true meaning of having a personal relationship with the Lord.

At 3:04 a.m. Sunday, June 5, 2011, Shirley made her transition from labor to reward: leaving to cherish fond memories in their hearts are her husband, Isaac; two daughters, Sharon (Jerome) Harris of Country Club Hills and Louvenia (Antonio) Brown of Chicago; one son, Isaac Banks III of Chicago; 12 brothers and sisters; 13 grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2011, in Rockhill Baptist Church in Carbondale with the Rev. Sydney Logwood officiating. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church. Interment will be at 11 a.m. Monday, June 13, 2011, at Mount Hope Cemetery in Chicago.

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory of Carbondale is in charge of arrangements.