Dorothy Mae Banks

The memory which we regard today is replaced with an abundance of love and admiration. When one’s work is finished, death is a natural and beautiful as the falling leaves in Autumn.

Dorothy Mae Banks was born on February 6, 1923 in Manning, South Carolina. She was the eldest of six to the late Stephney and Charlotte Williams. Her early years were spent under the watchful eye of her grandmother, Mary “Sissy” James. She joins in glory her siblings, Dolores Best, Gilbert Leon Williams and Stephney E. Williams, Jr. 

Dorothy was educated in the Manning Public School system and later attended South Carolina State College. As a young adult, now relocated to New York City in 1941, she took a career in the Garment District where she enhanced her love for fashion and design and became a seamstress. She honed her craft of sewing by attending night courses at DeWitt Clinton HS in the Bronx. It was here she learned how to make patterns and perfect her sewing skills. She love to make unique and custom dresses for herself, family and friends. On February 28th, 1948, she married the love of her life the late, Johnnie Rae Banks, of which they were married for 41 years. From that union came three children: Linda Valentine, Wanda Banks and Johnnie Rae Banks, Jr.

Dorothy was a devoted member of St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church in the Bronx New York where she was a member for over 60 years. She served on numerous committees, such as the President of the Altar Guild, United Methodist Women, Fundraiser emeritus and just known as “ the Boss! “

Her community involvement did not stop at St. Stephen’s church. She was affectionately known as the “Mayor of Marble Hill” for her community advocacy and  active presence throughout the community of Marble Hill projects. She started the first garden club for Marble Hill and orchestrated the hallway campaign and designation of “ floor captains ”  to reflect the holiday celebration on each floor.  Her devotion and reverence to the families of her community was displayed by the loving hand was an extended element of parenting to numerous children in both Marble Hill Projects and Fordham Hill Cooperative. She was fondly known to as “Ma Banks”,  “Mama Banks”, “Mother Banks“, “Grandma”, and “Granny”.

Whenever Dorothy entered a room her beauty, charm, kindness and the ability to make other feel at home was her signature. She lived a flourished life and took no day for granted, especially the times spent with her children, grands and great grands. She had many passions, but it was vacationing she enjoyed most. Her many excursions rather it was by land, air, or sea to locations of South Carolina, Hawaii, Paris, London and her very most favorite, her many visits to Aruba, are memories that will live forever.

Dorothy leaves to cherish in her memory her children Linda (Grant )Valentine • Chestnut Ridge NY, Wanda Banks • Bronx, NY, Johnnie (Karen )Covington, GA,  grandchildren Grant ”Gee”, Janeen, Vance, Nicole, Westin, and Tamara. Great grandchildren Candace, Cyniyah, Aires, Aiden, Airo and Cairee. Two sisters Lenora Wyands and Luella Williams. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, adopted children and close family friends. While living past 100 is rare, as a centenarian, Dorothy is a true testament to one’s endurance and outlook on life.

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