Lennie "Linnie" Banks

Graveside services for Lennie West Banks, 89, of Lawrence, Kansas, will be 9:00 a.m. Friday, November 14, 2025 at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Linnie died Saturday, October 18, 2025 peacefully at the home of her son, Joseph Banks and her daughter in law, Casandra Banks.

Linnie was born November 10, 1935 in Starkville, MS, the only daughter of Linnie Mae West and Willie C. West. Three of her brothers proceeded her in death-Charles West, Bobbie West, and George West. Her younger brother, Willie West resides in White Plaines, NY.

Linnie graduated from Henderson High School in 1953, attended Mary Holmes Junior College, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from Jackson State University in 1964. She was a devoted classroom teacher for many years and then transitioned to working with veterans at Hines Veterans Hospital in Hines, IL. She later worked in Human Resources as a Personnel Manager at Hines until her retirement.

Linnie married Robert Banks on November 3, 1953 in Starkville, MS. They were married for 61 years when Robert passed in 2014. Linnie and Robert's surviving children include Joseph Yeates Banks (Casandra) of Cordova, TN and Cheryl Lynn Johnson of Oakland, CA. Their oldest daughter, Robbi Jenkins preceded Linnie in death earlier this year.

Other survivors include her four grandchildren: Lauren Martin(Ken), Casandra Banks, Justin Johnson, and Zachary Johnson(Kierra) Great grandchildren include: Elijah Martin, Zara Johnson, and Keno Johnson. Other surviving family members include nieces, nephews, cousins, and one aunt (Bernice McKinney).

Linnie was a member of the Presbyterian Church throughout her life and served in the roles of Stephen Minister, Deacon, and Session Member. She was a devout Christian.

The family would like to thank you for your prayers, kind words, phone calls, sympathy cards, and condolences. We love you and appreciate your thoughtfulness. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116 or online at their website: https://www.diabetes.org.