Barbara Lane Banks

Barbara was born on May 18, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. She lived a life defined by compassion, strength, and had a spirited nature. Barbara attended Baltimore City Schools, where she developed a love for math and reading. Barbara married the late Douglas Banks in Baltimore before relocating to New York to live with her sister, Betty Jane Ford. While there, she began working as a sales clerk at the Bloomingdale's flagship store, where she spent many years and formed many lasting friendships.

In the mid-1970s, Barbara returned to Baltimore, Maryland to care for her grandfather. This experience sparked her passion for caring for others and led her to becoming a Childcare Specialist at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, where she served children with compassion and dedication. Later she became a Senior Citizen advocate at the Waxter Center Senior Citizen Program in Baltimore.

Barbara was a member of the Solid Rock Freewill Baptist Church, and served on the Usher Board Ministry, as an usher for numerous years. Later, she later joined Charity Church in Baltimore to continue her faith in God. In her later years, she relocated to Washington, DC, to be closer to her family and spend more time enjoying life with those she loved.

Barbara was known for her warm spirit, sharp humor, and unfiltered personality, as well as the deep and unwavering love she had for her family. Barbara and her sister, Betty, were a dynamic duo who never missed an opportunity for fun, especially when it came to taking cruises together and enjoying new adventures. No matter the room she entered, Barbara had a way of making friends wherever she went.

Throughout her life, Barbara touched many lives through her kindness, generosity, and faith. Whether offering encouragement, lending a helping hand, or simply listening, she made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Barbara was incredibly proud to be a mother to her only son, Alonzo, and to be a grandmother and great-grandmother. Her greatest joys came from celebrating milestones, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories with the people she loved most. Barbara shared a special daily tradition with her son, Alonzo. No matter where he was commuting from, she was always his “co-pilot” on the phone during his drive home from work. Their conversations, often lasting the entire hour-long commute were a cherished part of their day.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Isadora Ford and James Riley, grandparents, Annie Mae and Flander Ford, twin brothers, Herman and Therman Ford, granddaughter, LaKeisha Ford-Whitlock, and long-term partner, Willie “Mike” Jordan.

She is survived by her beloved son, Alonzo Ford (Bonita), sister, Betty Jane Ford, niece, Andrea Ford Wilder (Bryant) of New York, grandchildren, Dana Greene (Michael) and Nickolas Ford, and her great grandchildren, Nickolas Jr., Madilynn, Giselle, and Savannah.

Barbara was at peace in her final days, often saying that God was calling her home. She expressed comfort in her faith, sharing that she was at peace. The family is grateful for the many expressions of love, prayers, and support during this time. Barbara’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

In Lieu of flowers, please donate to the COPD FOUNDATION

https://www.copdfoundation.org

Thanks for your support.