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CECIL BANKS

1947 - 2018

CECIL BANKS Obituary

Cecil J. Banks Attorney and community advocate Cecil J. Banks transitioned on May 12, 2018, at home after a long illness. Viewing will take place on Sunday, May 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, 241 Hilton Avenue, Vauxhall, N.J., followed by the funeral service on Monday, May 21, at 11 a.m. at the church. Cecil was born on Sept. 27, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of the late Otis and Mary Louise (Watkins) Banks. He graduated from Chofu High School in Tokyo, Japan, and earned degrees from Duquesne University, (B.A.); University of Pittsburgh, (M.P.A.) and Rutgers University Law School (J.D.). Mr. Banks was active in Essex County politics for many years and worked with community organizations and church leaders to bring about positive change in the African-American community. He is survived by his loving wife, Margot; daughters, Kimberly MacKay (Craig), Imani Banks, son Jamaal Banks, grandchildren Cameron MacKay, Kayla MacKay and Matteo Banks, sister June Stevens of Phoenix, Ariz., other family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Rutgers University Foundation with the notation, "in support of The Cecil J. Banks Memorial Scholarship Fund." Please send donations to Robert Steinbaum, Associate Dean for Advancement, Rutgers Law School, 123 Washington Street, Newark, N.J. 07102.

Published by The Star-Ledger on May 18, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
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I really miss my University of Pittsburg Grad School Alum. Only we know first hand what we had to overcome in the Allegheny Mountain winters. Don't get me wrong Pittsburg is a city of great people but no beaches or Boardwalks . I miss our fun conversations. I think he nominated me for the Comics Hall of Fame. I always envision him sitting behind that great desk as if it was yesterday . Thank you for keeping him near all of us.

PAUL GRAYSON

Friend

May 12, 2020

Margot,

Please accept my sincerest condolences and best wishes to you and your family. I just found out about Cecil's passing this morning. He and I shared some unforgettable experiences years ago.

Cecil was more than just a friend and fraternity brother, but he was also a mentor who was instrumental in my professional development. May he rest in eternal peace.

Lawson Brooks
Washington, DC

May 30, 2018

May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad time. Psalms 29: 11

May 23, 2018

I FOUND OUT AFTER THE FACT THAT CECIL HAD PASSED; MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY .I AM A LITTLE STUNNED .WHAT A GREAT PERSON AND EXCELLENT BARRISTER ; I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY PERSON FROM THIS AREA TO HAVE ATTENDED PITT GRAD AND TOLERATED THE ALLEGHENY MOUNTAINS AND THE FAMOUS THREE RIVERS ENVIRONMENT IN WINTER UNTIL I SAW HIS MPA ON THE WALL OF HIS OFFICE IN GATEWAY .I'LL MISS THIS GOOD BROTHER; ALWAYS

PAUL GRAYSON

May 22, 2018

Margot, so sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. Banks. I had been asking about him through the years but no one seem to have any information. Susie Horton just contacted me a few minutes ago with the news. My sincere condolences to you and your Family on this sad day. Mr. Banks was such a kind person to work with. May he rest in heavenly peace.

Jean Durden

May 21, 2018

Resting from LABOR, receiving BLESSED Rewards

Jackie Dunn-Toler

May 21, 2018

Dear Margo, Kim, Imani and Jamal,

At this time of sorrow, we are sending healing thoughts and comforting prayers to give you strength and support for the days that lie ahead.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Nichols-Wyche and Marvin Wyche

May 20, 2018

Marcia Brown

May 20, 2018

He will be missed. A truly Great Man !

John Williams

May 18, 2018

May God give you the strength thru his blessings in this time of sorrow.God Bless

Myrna Smith

Neighbor

May 18, 2018

Deborah Allen

Deborah Allen

May 18, 2018

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

G. Freeman

May 18, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Rev 21:3&4 G. Johnson

May 18, 2018

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Memorial Events
for CECIL BANKS

May

20

Viewing

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Bethel AME Church

241 Hilton Avenue, Vauxhall, NJ

May

21

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Bethel AME Church

241 Hilton Avenue, Vauxhall, NJ

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