Author: Phyllis Hopkins

Funeral services for Annie Lee Banks, 92, were held Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Mt. Mariah Baptist Church in Gilbertown, AL with Rev. Malone Smith, Jr. officiating.  Internment followed in Kaiser Hill Cemetery in Melvin, AL.

Annie Lee Banks, better known as “Nanny,” was born on January 28, 1932 in Waynesboro, MS to the late Charlie and Clara McLaughlin.  She peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on April 13, 2024 surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jeffrie Lee Banks; parents, Charlie and Clara McLaughlin; siblings, Bertha Coker, Joseph King, Arabella Grace, Robert McLaughlin, Jennie Smith; and granddaughter, Shara Dixon.

At the age of 13, Annie met the love of her life, Jeffrie Lee Banks, and their relationship blossomed into 50 years of marriage.  Their union was blessed with three children.  Despite lacking formal education, her sharp mind and enterprising spirit led her to operate Banks Grocery for 50plus years; a community cornerstone.  More than just a store, it was a haven where everyone was treated like family.  In addition to being a business owner, Annie was the first Black supervisor at Solomon Brothers Manufacturing in Needham, AL.

Annie’s faith was the cornerstone of her life.  An active church member, she served as President of the Pastor’s Aid Club.  She organized Colorama events and festive occasions that brought the community together and raised funds for church activities.

Cherished memories will forever linger in the hearts of her loving and devoted children, Clarena (Marshall) Dixon-Taylor, Wayne (Dorothy) Banks and Ricky (Bobbye Faye) Banks, all of Melvin, AL; six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren; two great- great grandchildren; a special friend, Pat Miller, and her daughter, Dixie Miller; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Celebration of Life Services for Jatavis Marquel Jones were held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Millwood Primitive Baptist Church, 2185 Old Locke Road, Pennington, Alabama with Rev. Marvin Johnson, Officiating.  Interment, Woodall Cemetery in Pennington, Alabama.

The life of our beloved Jatavis Marquel Jones began on the March 08, 2000, in Meridian, Mississippi.  Jatavis was born to Daniel C. Jones and Teresa A. Dukes Jones.

As we mourn the loss of Jatavis, let us also celebrate the joy and love he brought into our lives.  May his memory serve as a source of comfort and inspiration to us all. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Teresa Ann Jones; grandmothers, Mary Smith O’Field and Dorothy Jones White; grandfathers, A.G. White, Herman Dukes, and Fred Williams; two aunts, Shirley Ann O’Field and Anita G. Rodgers; three uncles, Walter O’Field, Eddie Lee Dukes, and Charles Bernard Jones.

Jatavis will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will live on in the memories and hearts of those he touched.

He leaves to cherish fond memories: a dedicated father, Daniel C. (Lanette) Jones; four sisters, Alisha S. Jones, Shaquita Q. Jones, Tonelya N. Jones, and Tiffany (LeShaun) Darden; a brother, Tiwan L. (Ayeshia) Jones; step-grandmother, Vanessa Williams; two nieces, Ta’Mya A. Jones and Amari S. Marshall; two nephews, Tyler J. Jones and Trent A. Jones; six uncles, Karl Jones, Danny (Revlon) Brown, Jr., Michael Hoskins, Fred (Lakita) Williams III, Anthony (Jasmine) Williams, and Allen Parker, Jr.; thirteen aunts, Mona Lisa White-Dubose, Lozita Bush, Brendanita Jones, Patricia O’Field, Emma Watson, Shanika McIntosh, Renee Williams, Tamara (Carlos) Coleman, Amirar (Robert) Curry, Angelica (Elvato) Wilkins, LaTrice (Cory) Johnson, Bridgette (Dennis) Murphy, and Cynthia Parker; special loved ones, Darrell Marshall (bro-in-love) and Rodney S. Dubose (uncle-in-love); a host of adoring cousins, loving family members and dear friends.