Charles’ Journey...
Charles Edward Banks was legally born Charles Thomas Stevenson on March 6, 1941, to the late Elder William Stevenson and Emily Thomas-Stevenson at 1634 Hanauer Street, Memphis, TN. He was the fifth child born to this union. Charles’ mother was very ill during her pregnancy and after his birth. Before she died in 1942, realizing the enormous weight on William to work and care for a sickly baby and four children, Emily and William made the decision to allow her aunt and uncle, Elizabeth Elion-Banks and Roscoe Banks, to raise Charles. His name was later changed to Charles Edward Banks. After Emily’s death, William and the older four children: Catherine, James “Bubba,” Rosa “Tena” (who preceded him in death), and Clara Mae, moved to Chicago, IL, and united with his older siblings, Clara “Big Clara” Ruffin, Daisy Randolph, Nellie Crouch, Annie Mat Stewart, Leander “Sugar” Williams, Benjamin Stevenson, and Robert Louis Stevenson (all of whom preceded him in death). Charles lived a happy life, raised alongside his cousins, Henrietta “Baby Sister,” Vernon, and Herman Lee, which he also knew as his siblings. Charles grew up in the Orange Mound area of Memphis, TN. He accepted Christ at an early age and attended services regularly at New Era Baptist Church. He attended Melrose High School, which he fondly referred to as “The University of Melrose.” He continued his education at Lane College and Memphis State University - majoring in Sociology. At Lane, he assisted the football and basketball coaching staffs as a part of his Work Study program. He quickly became known around town as “Coach” - a moniker that stuck with him for the duration of his life. Charles was a brick mason by trade and his skills can be seen all over the City of Memphis - especially in Germantown and Cordova. He was also a community activist and participated in the grassroots work of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. In 1960, Charles married Arma Jean Coruth. To their union, four children were born: JoSephenia “Muffin” Banks (who preceded him in death), Irish Banks, Monica Banks and Darrin Banks. During this time, he enlisted in the United States Army where he received commendations for being an expert Marksman (Rifle), a Second Class Gunner (Light Machine Gun) and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged after successfully completing his military assignments, which included a tour in Viet Nam. Charles later married Annie Vera King in 1969. To this union, two children were born; Tammika Banks and Shannon Banks. On Friday, October 23, 2020, at 9:36 a.m., Charles was called home to be with the Lord. He leaves to cherish his memory: two sisters, Clara Mae Stevenson (Chicago, IL) and Henrietta “Baby Sister” Pigram (Memphis, TN); two sons, Irish Banks and Darrin Banks (Memphis, TN); three daughters, Monica Banks (Atlanta, GA), Tammika Anderson (Willie Shaw) - (Olive Branch, MS), and Shannon Cotton (Mario) (Olive Branch, MS); five grandchildren; Joseph and Stephen Banks (Atlanta, GA), Jayden Barrett, Mario Cotton, Jr. and Morgan Cotton (Olive Branch, MS) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
Order of Service Processional The Family of Charles Edward Banks Invocation Bishop Kevin B. Willis New Life of Memphis Salute Presentation of Flag Recessional The Family of Charles Edward Banks
Acknowledgment
The family of Charles Banks wishes to acknowledge every act of kindness and sympathy rendered during this time. Your thoughtfulness, prayers, calls and acts of love have helped to console our hearts. We also offer our most sincere appreciation to staff members of Signature Healthcare who took special care of our father: Latarsha Grandberry, LPN, Barbara Kelly, RN, Caitlyn Conner, LPN, Chantel Graham, RN, Terri Durham (Social Worker), Fanisha Boyd (Assistant Dietary Director), and Chef Ricky Smith. May God bless and keep each of you. ~ The Family of Charles Edward Banks ~
Irish Banks Darrin Banks
Active Pallbearers Mario Cotton, Sr. Ernie Jones
John Hamilton Willie Shaw, Jr.
Honorary Pallbearers
James “Orzo” Thomas Anthony Simmons Monte’ Williams
G. H. Pigram, Jr. Sidney Brown, Jr.
Morris King Steven Horton Roosevelt Williams
Interment
West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill-Irene Road • Memphis, TN 38125
Services Entrusted To
E. H. Ford Mortuary Services 3390 Elvis Presley Boulevard • Memphis, TN 38116 • (901) 345-9558 Program Design by Precious Memories Graphics & More, (901) 257-9124.