Helen A. Bannister

Helen Ada Ruffin Bannister entered into eternal rest on Saturday, December 18, 2021 after a lengthy stay at Amelia Health Care and Rehabilitation Center. Helen was the daughter of the late Allen and Geneva Ruffin.
Helen attended Brick Church School and joined Brick Church, now Liberty Baptist Church, at an early age. She loved the Lord and learned to trust in his grace and mercy.
After a short stay in New York, where she married her husband of fifty seven years, she came back to Virginia and became a domestic worker until she retired.
Helen loved to sew, cook (baking her pound cakes), growing her flowers, visiting with family and friends, listening to gospel music and taking care of her grandkids. Sam Cooke was one of her favorite artists.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Dallas; her sons, Dallis Jr., David and Garland Bannister; two brothers, James and Clarence Ruffin; son-in-law, Marcus Evans.
Helen leaves to cherish her loving memories: three daughters, Inez Evans, Jo-Ann Bannister, Amy Coles; five grandchildren, Ludjina, Lateshia Garland, Jr., Michael and Jasmine; six great grandchildren; four sisters, Lateefah El-Amin, Virginia Smith, Thelma Eggleston and Frances Ruffin; three brothers, Allen, Wilson and Joseph Ruffin; five sisters-in-law, Martha Ellis (Herman), Della Montaque, Dorothy Bradby, Margaret Everette (George) and Dr. Nancy Walters; one brother-in-law, Joseph Bannister Jr.; and a host of nieces nephews, other relatives and friends.
Viewing Monday, December 27, 2021 from 12 to 7PM.
Funeral Services Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Michael W. Hawkes Funeral Home, Amelia. Interment Libert Baptist Church Cemetery, Amelia.
Michael W. Hawkes Funeral Home of Amelia in charge oa arrangements.
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