Helen Brown Bankston
Helen Brown Bankston
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Helen Bankston Obituary
Helen Brown Bankston was the wife and widow of the legendary Dallas businessman and car dealer, W.O. Bankston. They were married in 1950. W.O. came to Dallas on a boxcar, from Brownwood, Texas, during the Great Depression, with a dollar in his pocket. After working as an embalmer's assistant and working on the assembly line at the Ford Plant, among other jobs, W.O. built one of the most successful car dealerships in the country. Helen was the love of W.O.'s life. From her modest beginnings in Irving, Helen had a great life, filled with travel, social activities, raising her children, and work in the community. W.O. and Helen were an integral part of the Dallas community and were active in aspects to include charities, sports and community development. She valued her friendships and helped her family and friends in need, throughout her life.
At the ripe "young" age of 78, after living her entire life in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Helen sold her house in Dallas, and moved to a penthouse apartment in Chevy Chase, Maryland to begin a new life, taking care of her DC grandchildren, volunteering at her granddaughter's school in Bethesda, Stoneridge School of the Sacred Heart, and volunteering at her new, adopted church, Metropolitan Methodist Church in Washington, DC.
Helen is survived by a daughter and son, and 11 grandchildren. Her daughter is Martha Bankston Mizroch and son-in-law John F. Mizroch and their 4 children, Zachary William Mizroch and his wife, Bianca, James Elliott Mizroch, Brandon John Mizroch, and Marissa Helen Mizroch. Helen's son is James Garland (Jimmy) Bankston and his seven children, James Emmett Bankston, Hollis Bankston, Jacob Bankston, Noah Bankston, Rachael Bankston, Rebecca Bankston, and Gabriel Bankston, and Jimmy's wife, Lisa.
Helen was a passionate believer in education. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent in her name, to Stoneridge School of the Sacred Heart Scholarship Fund, 9101 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Md. 20813. Mrs. Bankston was entombed on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at Hillcrest Memorial Park Mausoleum and Cemetery in Dallas, Texas. Online condolences may be made at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Debra Jo Endres-Ard
December 4, 2012
Dear Jimmy & Family -- I am very sorry and deeply saddened by the loss of your mother. Having recently lost my father, I am very aware of how losing a parent creates a tremendous void in our lives. Please know you are being held close in thought and prayer during this painfully difficult time. Heartfelt condolences and many hugs for all.
Gene McDaniel
December 3, 2012
A true aristocrat.
Gene McDaniel
December 3, 2012
Hi Martha, You and I were in the same Sunday School class at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church. We were also in the Choir together. We were constantly talking and getting in trouble. ha I have thought about you often. I was so sorry to hear of you mom's passing. I lost my mom in 2008 due to complications from pneumonia. She was my best friend and I am sure you were just as close with Helen. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless, Lou Ann PS My Dad, Perry, husband Todd and I still go to LLUMC,
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Karen Kramer Vasinda
December 3, 2012
Hello Jimmy. You and I went to good old Hillcrest High School. I am very sorry for the loss of your mom. Your parents were so sweet and you were lucky to have great parents. My prayers are with you.
Take care of you, Karen Kramer Vasinda
Ben Griffin
December 2, 2012
Jimmy, Sad to hear about your mother's passing but I know she had a very full life. Your dad and mine were friends as fellow Ford dealers and you and I through drag racing, so I wanted to drop you a note and offer my sympathy.
Bill & Michele Schooling
December 2, 2012
dear Martha and Jimmy,
We just learned today that your mother passed away,
Bill and I share great memories of Helen, it will take quite sometime to write about.She will never be forgotten.
Our deepest sympathy,
Bill and Michele Schooling
Cheron Adams
December 2, 2012
Dear Jimmy and Martha,
I just read of your mom's death. I am so sorry. W.O. and Helen were such good friends to Mama and Daddy, and I was always so glad that we were able to keep in contact with her for a time. I believe the last time I saw her was around 1994 when she came to a party at our house on Crooked Lane. She was as elegant and beautiful as ever. So many times during the years since then I have thought of her and wondered where she was. I don't know if you remember Daddy's assistant at the bank, Ruth Winkler, but she asks me everytime I talk to her if I have heard from Helen.
The next time I visit Mama and Daddy at Sparkman, I'll go by to visit W.O. and Helen. I know how very hard it is to lose a parent. Please accept my condolences and prayers. I hope that you both will soon find peace in knowing that your mom and dad are together again.
Cheron Curran Adams
December 2, 2012
I was very saddened to read of Helen's passing in this morning's DMN. I remember so many good things that happened in my life because of the Bankston family. In 1948, between junior and senior years in high school, W.O. gave me a summer job as Vice President in charge of washing cars. My Dad stood up with Helen and W.O. when they went to Oklahoma to marry. I'm sorry I didn't get better acquainted with you, Jimmy and Martha, but age differences tend to work that way. I know that both Helen and W.O.loved you both deeply. They used to talk about you all the time. In 1954, while halfway through Navy flight training, W.O. and my dad gave me my first new car--a 1954 Ford coupe with tan bottom and tomato red top. It was the prettiest thing you ever saw. I could go on, but you need to know that they were admired and loved by our family and many, many other friends.
With deep respect,
Olin Lancaster, Jr.
December 2, 2012
Martha and Jimmy, I just read about Helen's death. Helen was mom's best friend and I think she was the kindest, funniest and most beautiful person I have ever met. It is a huge regret in my life that I didn't keep in touch. I did think of her often--so I hope that counts. It sounds like she lived a full and wonderful life. Kelly and I send our condolences and love to all of you. Sheri Bohannon Sears.
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