Mrs. Ernestine Banks

Ernestine James Banks, affectionately known as “Tine”, was born on February 22, 1943 in

Paris, TX to Willie and Wilma James.

Ernestine received her education from the Holland Texas ISD, and graduated from Dunbar High School

In Lubbock, TX. She furthered her education and became a CNA with Caprock Home health and retiring from Girling Home Health in 2004.

She met and married Dallas Banks, Jr. on July 19, 1967 and shared 55 memorable years together. They made Lubbock their home, until relocating to North Richland Hills, TX in Dec. of 2018.

Ernestine accepted Christ at an early age and untied with Christ Temple COGIC under the leadership of Bishop WD Haynes, where she served many years on the Usher Board. She later united with Lyons Chapel Baptist Church, under the leadership of WD Davis, where she served as choir member and Greeter, until relocating to the DFW area, where she untied with the St. John Church Unleashed in Grand Prairie/Southlake TX.

She had a zeal for life and a loving heart to serve others. She made it her mission to not only care for her special needs son for 60 years, family. She also made it her mission to feed the hungry, care for the sick and offer encouragement to all those she crossed path with.

She is proceeded in death by her parents; Sisters, Eunice Faye, Bettye Phenix; Brothers; Bennie, Curtis, Willie, Robert James, 2 grandchildren, Anthony Russell and Alexia Smith.

Our loving Mother, Sister, Auntie peacefully transitioned from life to gain her crown on November 26, 2020. Ernestine leaves to cherish her precious memories and carry on her legacy: a devoted daughter and Son in law, Janice and Jeff Austin of North Richland Hills, TX, God daughter Vera LaNell Maxie of Houston, TX. Sons; Lorenzo Smith, Jr of Lubbock, TX and Jerry Allen Smith of North Richland Hills, TX. Sisters: Jo Marie Gilbert of Detroit MI, Mary White of Lubbock, TX, Shirley Davis (Rev. WD Davis), Gwen Evans, and Kathryn (Charles), and Brother Johnny James (Vanessa) all of Lubbock, TX: Grandchildren; Adrian Smith of Atlanta, Ga, Christine (Steven) Williams of Austin, TX, Loren Smith of Lubbock and Jeffrey DeShan Austin of Lubbock, TX; 8 Great grandchildren and a host of Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gwspencerdirs.net for the BANKS family.