I needed the quiet, so He drew e aside into the shadows where we could confide. Away from the bustle where all day long I hurried and worried while active and strong. I needed the quiet, though at first, I rebelled. But gently, so gently my cross He upheld And whispered so sweetly of spiritual things. Though weakened in body, my spirit took wings To heights never dreamed of when active and gay. He loved me so greatly. He drew me away. I needed the quiet, no prison my bed, But a beautiful valley of blessings instead. A place to grow richer, in Jesus to hide. I needed the quiet, so He drew me aside
Pastor Gregory Ulysses Banks Ma r c h 6 , 1 9 61 - D ecem ber 10, 2020
Gregory Ulysses Banks was born March 6, 1961, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Rev. Richmond, Jr. and Queen Esther Williams Banks.
Gregory accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized by his father, Rev. Richmond Banks, Jr. at West Spring Hill Baptist Church of Oxford, Mississippi. Gregory received his calling to the ministry at the tender age of 7. Gregory’s formative years were spent at Vollintine, Cherokee, and Rozelle Elementary Schools, and he was a 1980 graduate from Memphis Technical High School. He was ordained on February 4, 1979. At the age of 17, he was elected to his first church, New Friendship Baptist Church of Memphis, Tennessee. Gregory, being an accomplished musician and gifted singer, was unique. Throughout the years, he served as the minister of music to several churches in Memphis, Tennessee one being his home church, Holy Springs Baptist Church, as well as in Mississippi. But his calling, he could not ignore, “Preach.” Upon fulfilling his calling; he’s the former Pastor of West Spring Hill Baptist Church of Oxford, Mississippi, Mt. Hope Baptist Church of Taylor, Mississippi, and Union Hill of Hernando, Mississippi. Gregory was employed with (CNC) of the Shelby Co. Schools for 25 years. He retired from the School System in August of 2019. Gregory was elected at the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church and installed on August 24, 2008, where he served until his death. Pastor Banks served faithfully even with failing health; he kept a willing spirit because he loved God and loved the Mt. Moriah Church family. He was so proud to be known as the Pastor of Mt. Moriah Church. Together Pastor Banks and Mt. Moriah celebrated the burning of the church mortgage under his leadership. Not being able to attend service due to COVID 19, he still had a willing mind and spirit for the growth of the church. His words, “Come on now, let’s get something done around here. Aint (yes ain’t) nothing stopping us.” “We can do anything we want to if we keep God first.” Pastor Banks’ last sermon was preached, March 8, 2020, Scripture: Acts 12:1-3 Subject; “What’s Going On In The Church” As of Thanksgiving Day, he asked one of the members, “Is Mt. Moriah Still Standing?” Pastor Banks was the father of two children, Quinton Deon Banks, and Gabriell Miracle Banks. He was united in Holy Matrimony, April 16, 2011, to Carol Nollie of Clarksdale, Mississippi. On Thursday, December 10, 2020, at his home, Gregory answered his second calling and made his transition from this life to eternity. He was preceded in death by two brothers, grandparents; Auther Williams and Annie Williams Richmond Banks, Sr. and Weddie Simpson Banks, two aunts, Della M. Pointdexter and Cora Williams Thomas, two uncles, Auther Williams, Jr. and Walter Williams, Sr. Gregory leaves to cherish his memories his beloved wife, Carol Banks, his son, Quinton Deon Banks, his daughter, Gabriell Miracle Banks and his parents, Rev. Richmond Banks and Queen Esther Banks, all of Memphis, Tennessee, four grandchildren; Quinton Banks, Jr., of Atlanta, Georgia, Quinilya Banks, Raylan Banks, and Dylan Banks all of Memphis, Tennessee, two aunts, Odessa McDowell of Memphis, Tennessee, Julia Watson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, one uncle, Henry A. Williams of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, John Banks of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a special cousin of whom they grew up as brother and sister, Shebra Thomas of Memphis, Tennessee, Pastor Vernon Price of New Orleans, Louisiana, four sisters-in-law, Barbara Brass, Shirley Gates, Darlene Gates, and Jo-Ann Mints (Robert), all of Chicago, Illinois, one brother-in-law, Larry Gates of Chicago, and a host of cousins, family and friends, and the Mt. Moriah Church Family.
To My Dad Dad, it hurts to know your gone, but I am proud of you. You put up a good fight for me, your daughter, your grandkids, and your wife. Even though it hurts me to see you go, I know you are no longer suffering. I Love You Your Son
To My Dad
I never thought, I would have to experience this day so early. To see my daddy leave me, you were more than a dad, you were my best friend. My better half, my rock and my support system. We did everything together and went everywhere together. I am going to truly miss our late night talks, our talks about how you wanted to carry myself, and even our talks about the boys. To know that for the rest of my days, I won’t get to see or hear you anymore hurts more than ever. But besides all of the pain that I feel now, I am truly happy that I got to spend the moments of your life with you. Holding your hand , while you made eye contact with me one last time before going to glory I really wish I had more time with you but I know you were tired, you put up a good fight daddy and I will always remember you as a warrior. Always & forever loving you your baby Princess
“My G.B.” G.B. my G.B., I thank God for you. Our time together was so brief. You came into my life when I said, “No way”. You stayed in my life faithfully until that last day. Now to have time without you; Loving you, missing you and remembering you, I know the things that made our life together our own and so special, because you were one of a kind. With not another day I cry, With selfish feelings all I can think of is more time with you here on earth. But God has said not so then I think and say Thank You God, my G.B. is healed!! Love always,Your Wife
Carol
Granddaddy,
We know you can no longer stay with us, you fought long and hard to be with us. We know you are watching over & protecting us. Although we cannot hear your voice or see your smiling face. We know deep down in our hearts that you have not left us. Instead everyday you surround us with the singing of the birds. The rising of the sun and the falling of the night. So many broken hearts are left behind, but in our deepest despair our, greatest comfort lies knowing that you are how at peace with the angels and God, so as time passes our tears will dry, our hearts will mend, but our Love for you will never end. Love Always, Quinilya, Raylan, Dylan, Quinton, Jr.
Order of Celebration Local Service: Friday, December 18, 2020 12:00 Noon
Greater Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church 1098 S. Wellington Street • Memphis, Tennessee 38126 Dr. J.L. Payne, Pastor • Pastor Gregory Stokes, Officiating • Pastor Richmond U. Banks, Eulogist
Processional Scripture Reading: Old Testament.......................................................................................................................Rev. G. Williams
Holy Springs Baptist Church
New Testament...............................................................................................................Pastor Larry Rucker
Macedon Baptist Church, Hollywood, MS
Prayer.......................................................................................................................................Pastor Melvin Partee Hunter Ave. Baptist Church
Ministry of Music.....................................................................................................Branch of Christ Baptist Church
Reflections
Shelby County Schools - Rev. Lenwood Reid Laidlaw - Cynthia Walker & Bro. Ronald Thornton Long Life Friend - Rev. Michael Harris Ministry of Music...................................................................................................The Mighty One Hundred Voices
Reflections
Branch of Christ Baptist Church- Pastor James Morganfield, Sr. Ellisgrove Baptist Church - Pastor C.W. Tutton Lakegrove Baptist Church - Pastor Sam Mickens Solo..................................................................................................................................................Bro. Bobby Clay Acknowledgements/Resolutions.......................................................................................................Sis. Sharon Isom Words of Comfort..........................................................................................................................Dr. Vernon Horner
Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association
Ministry of Music.......................................................................................Memphis Baptist Ministers Male Chorus Eulogy..............................................................................................................................Pastor Richmond U. Banks
Holy Springs Baptist Church
Recessional
Order of Celebration Offical Service: Saturday, December 19, 2020 12:00 Noon
Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church 15 West Bobo Road • Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614 Pastor Gregory U. Banks, Sr. Pastor • Pastor Richmond U. Banks, Officating
Music Prelude Scripture Reading: Old Testament.......................................................................................................Minister Michael Johnson
St. Luke Baptist Church
New Testament...........................................................................................................Pastor Anthony Calvin
Hickory Grove & New Light Baptist Church, Clarksdale, MS
Hymn.........................................................................................................................................Pastor Lewis Cotton
Hunley Chapel, Grenada, MS.
Prayer of Consolation.................................................................................................................Pastor Jerry Polite
New Bethel Christian M.B. Church, Clarksdale, MS.
Musical Selections......................................................................................................................Choir & Bobo Aires “Do Lord- He’s Calling Me” *Accompanimented by Bro. Johnny Farmer & Bro Terry Stovall*
Words of Comfort to the Church.................................................................................................Pastor Lacy Harrell Mt. Caramel Baptist Church
Solo............................................................................................................................................Pastor Lewis Cotton “When the Gates Swing Open”
Words of Comfort to the Family...........................................................................Pastor Nathaniel (Chuck) Pollard New Bethel M.B.C.-Clarksdale MS., Galena M.B.C. – Tutwiler,MS.
Special Tribute in Songs...................................................Pastor Nathaniel (Chuck) Pollard & Pastor Lewis Cotton “Heaven is My Goal, Mary Don’ You Weep, I Know The Lord Will Make Away
Resolutions & Acknowledgements.........................................................................................Deacon Derrick Moore Obituary: Read Silently – Music.....................................................................................(Let the Church Say Amen) Hymn of Preparation.........................................................................................................................Amazing Grace Eulogy............................................................................................................................Pastor Richmond Banks, Jr.
Holy Spring Baptist Church, Memphis, Tn.
Recessional
~ Acknowledgements ~
The family of Pastor Gregory U. Banks wishes to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for all calls, visits, cards, gifts, flowers, encouraging words, and prayers. Special thanks to Dr. R. Battini, nurses, Tasha and Karen of Wolf River, Germantown West Clinic. Functional Independence Home Care Inc., Memphis, TN, Methodist Home Care Hospice, and the Mt. Moriah Church family. Thank you and may God keep and bless every one of you. ~The Family
~ Honorary Pallbearers ~
~ Active Pallbearers ~
Deacon Derrick Moore Deacon Roosevelt Lee Deacon Johnny Moore Deacon John Robinson Deacon James Henley
Daryl Moore Allen Henderson Eric Ford Fred Walker Samuel (Big Boy) Shaw Ge’Darius Ratliff Patrick Robinson Sylvester Farmer Jimmie Hoy Eddie Nawls
~ Flower Beareres ~
Ladies of Mt. Moriah M.B. Church
~Committal Rites & Interment~ Mt. Moriah M.B. Church Cemetery
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