Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Carla Banks Obituary
Carla was a native of Gadsden and graduated from Westminster Christian School in 1977. She received her associate degree from Gadsden State Junior College in 1979.
She was preceded in death by her mother, JoAnn Williams Cohen; sister, Marsha Cohen Vinyard; and grandparents, Mack and Lib Williams.
Carla is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Tommy Banks; children, Tom Banks III (Frances) and Will Banks; nephews, Brandon Vinyard, Jason Vinyard (Sheryl) and Tyler Vinyard (Shanda).
Through her marriage, Carla felt fortunate to become a member of the larger family of the late Joan and Tom Banks. She cherished the relationships with her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jessica and Bob Robertson, Deborah and Bryant Banks and Jean Marie and Glenn Banks; niece, Lauren Banks (Kuryne); and nephew, Race Banks (Brooke).
Carla's greatest joy was being a mother to Tom and Will and following their daily lives and activities. She never met a stranger and had a fun-loving personality that was loved by all who came to know her. She was active in the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection and served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister for many years. After her sons began to grow up, she worked as the school secretary at Gadsden Middle School, where she enjoyed the many friendships she made with students, parents and coworkers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the priest's discretionary fund at Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 113 Brown Ave., Rainbow City, AL 35906.
Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carla Banks
Randall Cowart
June 6, 2013
"We're the class from here to heaven; we're the Class of 77."
Dwayne Hamilton
June 3, 2013
I have a hole in my heart today. Carla was a wondeful friend all the way back to our days at Eura Brown. She will be missed. "We grieve, yet not as those who without hope."
John Watson
June 3, 2013
Carla was a wonderful, beautiful person and a friend to everyone back at WCS. Your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days. Take comfort that she is with the Lord now, and we will join her there one day.
Alex Holtsford
June 2, 2013
Carla was a beautiful lady, in all ways. The Westminster class of 77 will surely miss her.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
DeChandriss Nsougan
June 2, 2013
To the Banks family, Mrs. Banks was a true delight at Gadsden Middle School. She recently assisted me with solving a problem concerning my daughter just before school ended. She was very special to not only the children but also the parents. I pray that God gives you strength to get through this difficult time.
Joe Pruett
June 1, 2013
I knew Carla when Marsha was in high school, sometime before their mother passed and am sad to hear of her passing. Their family was special to me.
Susan Steadman
June 1, 2013
Tommy,
I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. Carla was just a beautiful person and I loved knowing her for all these years.
Love,
Susan Barclay Steadman
David and Jo Ann Mathews
June 1, 2013
Tommy and sons,
I know you feel a great loss and are not sure how to proceed without the joy, love, and beauty Carla brought into your home daily. David and I are praying that God's powerful gift of peace will surround your hearts as our (your) Savior helps you take it one day at a time. Lean on and trust God. Also, I am still a pretty good listener when you want to talk things through. Love from our home to yours,
Penny Witcher
May 31, 2013
Tommy, Tom & Will,
I am heartbroken at the loss of Carla. What a precious Lady and sweet friend! She loved you all dearly as you know. May sweet memories and God's grace give you comfort. Know that you are my prayers.
Haydyn Hedgspeth
May 30, 2013
Tom, l am thinking and praying for you and your family during this time.Please allow the comfort of God's arms to envelope your family and keep you in his comfort. I am so sorry for your loss of your mother Carla. I cannot imagine the pain you feel.
Haydyn E.Hedgspeth friend of family
Becky Dobson Marable
May 30, 2013
Tommy, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Carla. I know its hurts so deeply but I know you both knew your faith and hope lies in our time ahead with our Savior and Lord. She always had a beautiful smile, and a laugh to share. God be with you and your children. Praying for you all, today and in the days to come.
TERRY (HELTON) KEENUM FORMERLY OF THE FISHERMAN RESTAURANT & PAM LOVETT
May 30, 2013
TOMMY AND FAMILY, WE WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF CARLA'S PASSING. MAY GOD COMFORT YA'LL AND WRAP HIS LOVING ARMS AROUND EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU. DEFINITELY GONE TOO SOON.
May 30, 2013
Tommy, Very upset to hear about Carla! I know she was the love of your life. Praying for your peace and strength for you and your family. Julie Little Klick
Kayla Faye
May 30, 2013
I'm lighting this candle for Mrs. Banks and praying for the banks family. She will be missed at Gadsden Middle
Tina Gregerson
May 30, 2013
The times I was fortunate to be in her company, she always had a smile on her face. What a cheerful person. May you find comfort in the memories you've shared. Thought and prayers for you and your family.
May 30, 2013
Tommy, I am so sorry to hear the news about Carla. We are thinking about you and your family.
Jan and Rick Harper, Gadsden, AL
Greg Williams
May 30, 2013
Tommy,
Our prayers are with you and your family, Carla was a very dear, sweet person. I remember her mother and father well. I received an email from my first cousin, Martha Haller yesterday. It was very sad. My father was Odell Williams, Aunt Elette and Uncle Mack's brother. May God assuage your feelings of bereavement.
With love,
Greg
Donna Presley
May 30, 2013
We the staff at Gadsden Country Club have you in our prayers. Annette Howard and Donna Presley
rich & marsha ney
May 30, 2013
for CARLA, May GOD blees U & keep U in HIS luvin arms forever & ever. U were good for ur family. Rest in PEACE.
Jamie Walker
May 29, 2013
Mrs. Banks always greeted everyone with kind words and a smile. She touched many childrens lives with her love and kindness. My daughter loved working with Mrs. Banks in the front office as an office aide at GMS. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Banks family, friends, co-workers and students of GMS. She will be greatly missed.
Jaden Bostick & Family
May 29, 2013
Our sincere condolences to the Banks family. Ms.Banks was a very special person that was always kind and so pleasant to speak with. She will be truly missed at Gadsden Middle not only by the staff and students but the parents as well. May God continue to comfort you during your time of bereavement.
The Keck Family
May 29, 2013
This lovely lady will be missed by so many. So sorry to her family for your loss. Many prayers going up for you all.
Christi Crocker-Pilkington
May 29, 2013
Mrs. Banks was one of the most genuine and sincere people I have ever met. She had a heart of gold and was always so kind to our children at GMS. We spoke often of her love and devotion to her family. I hope you, her family, find comfort in knowing that she touched the lives of so many. My deepest sympathy.
Ciara Caldwell
May 29, 2013
I can't even begin to tell you how much Carla Banks meant to our family. She was our friend since Eura Brown and through Gadsden Middle School. Both my daughters loved talking with her at school daily. My husband would call the school office and when she would answer, he would pretend that he was from the radio station and needed to interview her. Then she couldn't wait to tell me about his prank the next time I came to the school. She was a ray of sunshine. She was so loved and will be missed dearly!
My condolences to Tommy, Tom and Will. May The Lord wrap His arms around each of you and comfort you. God Bless.
Carol Hudson
May 29, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Carla. I remember her as always with a smile or laughter when she worked at our school, and I enjoyed teaching Tom and Will. My prayers will be with you all in the days ahead.
J. Holland
May 29, 2013
Tommy, Tom & Will,
It's SO difficult to understand...Marcia and I are both at a loss for words. I can only imagine your loss. I did want you to know that we are thinking of you and praying often for you all of your family.
Do not despair, you have a strong family and a huge network of friends. Also, take comfort in knowing that we will see Carla again!
If we can ever do anything for you and yours you simply need to call. We LOVE YOU!
With deepest sympathies, we are,
Your friends - always,
Marcia & J. Holland
Kristy Robinson
May 29, 2013
I just cannot express how much Mrs. Carla meant to me. She and I worked together at Disque and Gadsden Middle. Everyday she made me smile and laugh especially telling me her memories of her family. She will be greatly missed. I love you always.
Class of 1979 Westminster
Susan Arther- Jarrett
May 29, 2013
Dear Banks family,
I only knew Carla briefly in High School at Westminster, but when a friend posted her High School Sr. Portrait on the School's Facebook Page, my memory came back full circle. A very beautiful young woman with a million dollar smile to go with a million dollar spirit. Carla was one of those people that you always remembered. I'm so sorry for your loss but her legacy of joy and beauty lives on. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Daphne Lett
May 29, 2013
Our hears are saddened at the loss of Mrs. Carla Banks. She was such a kind and patient person. Such a great advocate to us, as parents. She will be GREATLY missed as our connection to Gadsden Middle school. We loved Mrs. Banks.
Debra Graybeal
May 29, 2013
Tommy, I am praying for you, Tom, and Will. I know how much Carla means to you. I pray that you will feel the peace and strength that can only come from our Heavenly Father.
Renee Middleton
May 29, 2013
My deepest sympathies to your family. Carla was a sweet friend to me in high school. Always beautiful. May your memories and faith comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Rose Preston-Rigsby
May 29, 2013
Dear Banks Family, At an early age I was friends with Marsha, Carla, and her family. I traveled with them on a couple of vacations to Florida. I have never forgotten the wonderful memories I had with them and now I am so shocked to hear of Carla's passing, too. I know you will always miss her and I pray God gives you the strength needed during this time.
Sheryl Aulsbrook Porter
May 29, 2013
Tommy, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of Carla. You and the children, as well as your entire family are all in my thoughts & prayers!
Jeff Williams
May 29, 2013
Grace, peace and mercy to all of the Banks family. May you find comfort through an eternal focus in your lives. Blessings to you all as you celebrate the warm, loving spirit that Carla brought to all who knew her.
Pat
May 29, 2013
A beautiful women with a more beautiful spirit. She will definitely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. God Bless!!
Pat
May 29, 2013
Mr. Banks and sons, I am so sorry for your loss. I've always been told to give people their flowers while they're still living. For some reason I thought about your wife/mom on Sunday and felt the need to go to the school this week and just tell her how much I appreciated her kindness these past three years and to tell her how much I thought of her as a person. Everytime I went to the school for whatever reason Mrs. Banks was always the same beautiful, sweet, classy, down to earth person who seemed to really be able to connect with the parents and kids. She will truly be missed and never forgotten. My family and I are keeping you all lifted up in prayer. God Bless!
Donna and Jackie Harris
May 29, 2013
Tommy, I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Carla's death. Carla was a very sweet lady as was all your family. We have never forgotten you all. You and your children are in our prayers.
Beth Wilson
May 29, 2013
Tommy, We are just heartbroken for you and the boys. Carla was a precious, precious friend. Anthony, Kara and I are lifting you and the boys in prayer!
craig marble
May 29, 2013
Tommy-Linda and I were so very sorry to hear about Carla. Whenever we saw her she had that sweet smile on her face. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie Lockridge
May 29, 2013
I am so sorry Tommy for you and your boys- the loss of a mother ( at such a young age ) is so hard- I know she loved her family! God bless and keep you- I will be praying for peace and comfort for you all. I will miss seeing her smiling face.
Carolyn (Hall) Miller
May 28, 2013
Tommy, I was so sorry to hear about Carla. She was such a beautiful, sweet person, and a joy to know. Please know that you, Will, and Tom are in my thoughts and prayers.
May 28, 2013
Tommy, we were so saddened to here of Carla's death. My memories of her are all from Westminster days. She was a precious, beautiful young lady. I will pray for you and your sons (and families) during this time of bereavement.
Helen Nichols, Birmingham, AL
Shelly Hester
May 28, 2013
Carla was a wonderful sweet lady. I am better for having known her and having her in my children's lives. Prayers of peace for Tommy and her children.
Showing 1 - 44 of 44 results
Make a Donation
in Carla Banks's name
Memorial Events
for Carla Banks
Funeral services provided by:
Collier-Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Services824 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, AL 35901
People and places connected with Carla
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Carla's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Carla Banks's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
