Fannie Ruth (Baker) Banks

On Tuesday afternoon, February 4, 2025, the Lord in his great wisdom dispatched an angel quietly to escort Mrs. Fannie Ruth (Baker) Banks of Elberton, Georgia, out of this life to relocate to her new heavenly home, not made by hand as she was surrounded by her loved ones. Mrs. Banks was the widower of the late Mr. Leroy Banks, Senior.

Mrs. Fannie Ruth Baker Banks, born September 04, 1939, to Mr. Major Baker, Sr. and Mrs. Hattie Mae Mattox-Baker, Elberton, Georgia. She worked her entire career within the retail sales industry. She was the first Black employee for Belk’s Department Store or any store within downtown Elberton, Georgia. Especially during an era in time when most blacks would only be hired for janitorial positions. A non-janitorial position within the community was almost nonexistent. She was the exception, and served as cashier, department head for inventory/stock, and fashion display. Her work history continued in retail to later hold management positions within Sky City Department Store and ending with management at Walmart Department Store, Elberton, Georgia. She was a 1957 graduate of Blackwell Memorial High School.

She was a lifelong member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. She served the church in many ways but most noted was her capacity as the Church Treasurer for greater than 30 years. She took over the position from her grandmother, Mrs. Pernida Brown Mattox when the church was then known as Downers Grove U.M.C. She also served in the capacity of Church Trustee. Also, she supported her husband, Mr. Leroy Banks, Sr. in his capacity as Deacon for Maple Springs Baptist Church. He was also a lifelong member of Maple Springs Baptist Church. Since they both loved their church homes so very much, they supported one another wholeheartedly during their duties or commitments for each church and neither required the other to leave the church homes they both loved dearly.

She is proceeded in death by her parents; her husband, Leroy Banks, Sr.; three (3) siblings, Gladys Elizabeth Baker Harper, Hattie Marie Baker-Williams, and Samuel Leon Baker and two (2) sister-in-law’s, Pauline Banks White, Dorothy Banks; one (1) brother-in-law, Mr. Thomas Banks, Sr.; and one stepdaughter, Sharon White.

She is survived by two children, daughter, Dorothy Elaine Baker-Robinson (Edmond Andra); son, Leroy Banks, Jr. (Venessa); two (2) grandchildren, Amanda Robinson and Joshua Banks; two (2) great grandchildren, Imani and Mason Tharpe; five (5) (5) step grandchildren, Margena Robinson Neely (Reginald), Marlicha Robinson Whitlock (Milton), and Andra Jermaine Robinson, Tomeshia Murdock, and Chaz White; Eleven (11) step-great grandchildren and seven (7) step great-great grandchildren. Three (3) sisters, Gloria Baker Statom, Shirley Baker, and Erma Baker. Five (5) brothers and sister-in-law’s, Eddie L. Baker (Sadie); Horace Baker (Consuelo), Major Baker, Jr.; Freddie Baker (Sarah); and Thomas O’neal Baker (Antonia). two (2) brothers-in-law, Lougene Williams, Jr., Paul Banks (Rita); and two (2) sisters-in-law, Helen Quinn, Louise White; aunt, Mrs. Roberta Baker; A special neighbor, Tracy Allen, who was always just a phone call away to assist her. A special work daughter, Rhonda (Calloway) Smith. Along with a host of other cousins/relatives, friends and neighbors.

Public Viewing will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 2:00pm - 4:00pm, located at Mack's Funeral Home - Elberton Chapel.

The family will receive friends of the community during public viewing which will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 1:00pm - 5:00pm, located at Mack's Funeral Home - Elberton Chapel. 

Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 1:30pm, located at Mack's Funeral Home - Elberton Chapel. 

Interment service will immediately follow the funeral service located at Maple Spring Baptist Church Cemetery Dewy Rose, GA. 

We ask that you keep the Banks family in your thoughts and prayers in the coming days.

You may express your condolences, sign the online register, send flowers, or light a memory candle in her honor to provide comfort to the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mack's Funeral Home - Elberton Chapel.

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