Sylvia Bankston

Sylvia Holden Bankston, a well-known local artist and homemaker of Baton Rouge, died Monday, May 7, 2007, in an automobile accident in Pine Bluff, Ark. Born May 24, 1940, in Jackson, Miss., she was a young and vibrant 66 when God called upon her. She was a loving grandmother, caretaker extraordinaire, and co-owner of the former antique shop Savannah Rose. She was a member of Parkview Baptist Church, the Guild Gallery and the Baton Rouge Chapter of Ikebana International. She is survived by her two children, John Michael Bankston Jr. and his wife, Dawn Knight Bankston, of Baton Rouge, Susan Bankston Nesom and her husband, Todd Nesom, of Watson; a brother, Ellie Lee Holden Jr. and his wife, Rhonda Holden; an aunt, Jewel Young; five grandchildren, Taylor Noelle Nesom, Ashley Nicole Nesom, Olivia Alexandra Nesom, Brette Rachelle Bankston and John Michael Bankston III; and lifelong friends, Patricia, Francis and Glenda. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, John Michael Bankston Sr.; and parents, Ellie Lee Holden Sr. and Nellie Hemphill Holden. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Wednesday, May 9, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Visiting resumes at the funeral home on Thursday from 10 a.m. until religious service at noon, conducted by the Rev. Ron Tyndall. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park.