Dr. Beulah Lynette Banks-Lightfoot

Dr. Beulah Lynette Banks-Lightfoot, of Richmond, Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving husband and family.

Born on August 3, 1960, in Ocala, Florida, Lynette was the beloved daughter of Gary and Jannie Banks and a devoted wife to Daniel Lightfoot. A woman of strong convictions, she lived with quiet strength, compassion, and extraordinary empathy for others. She was known for her love of God, her family, her sorority, and, of course, the Dallas Cowboys. Her selflessness, willingness to always lend a helping hand, and quick-witted sense of humor made her truly exceptional and unforgettable.

Lynette graduated from Morgan State University with bachelor’s degrees in Counseling, Psychology, and Computer Science. She later earned a doctorate in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University. She built a career on her love of helping youth, working in various group home facilities before culminating her calling with the inception of Burning Bush Day Care and Learning Center, where she served as Executive Director alongside her mother and sisters, Kathy and Keia.

Lynette was also a devoted member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, for four decades. She served as the 18th Eastern Regional Director and the 10th Commonwealth of Virginia State Director. She also chartered the Richmond chapter of Tau Gamma Delta Sorority, Incorporated, as well as the New Hanover County chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated—just a few among her many accomplishments with her sororities.

Lynette is survived by her husband, Daniel, and his daughter, Danielle; her parents, Gary and Jannie Banks; her seven siblings and their spouses—Kathie Banks-Ciceron, Leroy Autry, Lorraine Harris, Robert Priester, Gary Banks, Jr. and Jennifer Banks, Keia and Rodney Evans, and Keta and Trae Stratton; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Jenkins Funeral Home, 2011 Grayland Avenue, Richmond, Virginia. Family and friends are invited to share stories and reflections as we honor and celebrate Lynette’s life. A repast will follow in the Banquet Hall of Jenkins Funeral Home.

Your prayers and presence are the greatest gifts. Flowers and contributions to the family are also welcomed with heartfelt thanks.