Dr. Beverlyn Ann Banks-Harris

Dr. Beverlyn Ann (Rhodes) Banks-Harris, Ph.D., MBA, BSBM, 74, a woman of faith and a scholarly mentor, transitioned from Earth to Eternity on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 10:39 a.m., after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on September 15, 1950, in Groesbeck, Texas, she was the eldest daughter of Sammie Lewis Rhodes, Sr. (d. 1994) and Evangelist Katherine Jane (Raglin) Rhodes (d. 2021). Beverlyn was later joined by her siblings: James E. Rhodes (d. 2002), Elder Mary J. Rhodes Conner (d. Robert, 2003), and Sammy L. Rhodes, Jr.

Beverlyn's early life was rooted in faith; the family attended Dennis Chapel Methodist Church, pastored by Roy E. Stanley. Known as ‘Beverly’ by her classmates, she attended Washington High School in Groesbeck, where she excelled as a majorette in the school band. Her talents as a seamstress flourished during her school years, and she graduated from G.W. Carver High School in Waco, Texas, in 1969.

On September 7, 1968, Beverlyn married Elder Tommie Gene Banks (d. 2017), and together they raised three daughters: Larita K. Banks-Okere (Derick Chukwudi Okere), Monica D. Banks-Caldwell (John W. Caldwell, III), and Triola M. Banks-Fergus (Godfrey G. Fergus). From these daughters, she became a proud grandmother to five grandchildren: Kadijia D. Presley, Kumaria C. Presley, Natasia L. Banks-Scott, Nathaniel C. Hinton, and Katherine D. Banks-Barnes. Dr. Banks-Harris is also survived by her husband, Joe Edward Harris, with whom she resided in Dallas, Texas.

Dr. Banks-Harris was passionate about learning and creativity. Her inventive spirit led her to create beautiful garments for her children and friends. She pursued academic excellence, earning her Associates, Bachelors (BSBM), Masters (MBA), and Doctoral degrees (Ph.D.). Dedicated to sharing her knowledge, she became a mentor to many. In 2001, she founded Who’s Who Professional Managers and initiated community programs focused on education. She also served as a board member for the City of Dallas Housing Finance Corporation.

Professionally, Dr. Banks-Harris began her career at E-Systems (now Perot Systems) in 1979 and continued with DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit), where she served for 24 years before retiring in 2016.

A devoted member of the church, Dr. Banks-Harris worshipped at Lighthouse COGIC in Dallas under the late Honorable Superintendent Edward Calloway and was a member of The Potter’s House of Dallas at the time of her passing, where Bishop T.D. Jakes serves as pastor.

Dr. Banks-Harris is survived by her sister, Elder Mary J. Rhodes Conner (d. Robert, 2003), and Sammy L. Rhodes, Jr., along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and other family members who will cherish her memory and legacy.

Her journey was marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Though her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many others whose lives she touched, we remember her not for the end of her life but for the profound impact she made on all who knew her.