Earlene was born on February 11, 1946 in Pineville, WV to the late Taney and Rosemary (Browning) Altizer.
She was a devoted Christian and her faith gave her a strong foundation and provided comfort during the many medical procedures she endured during her last 10 years of life.
She was a wonderful and beautiful soul who loved her husband and three children. She spent her early years attending any events that her kids and grandkids were involved in. She truly cared more about her family than herself. She was such a blessing to her grandchildren that they were all proud to call her Mamaw B.
Earlene was preceded in death by her parents; Taney and Rosemary (Browning) Altizer; brother Franklin Altizer; sisters, Annabel Goode and Jeannie Hurley.
Those left to cherish her memories include her loving husband Robert “Bob” Bannister of Barboursville, WV; daughter, Tammy (Cook) Culicerto and her husband Robert Culicerto of Beckley, WV; son Robert (Bobby) Bannister and is wife Mollie of Barboursville, WV; son Todd Bannister and his wife Penny of Walton, WV; a very special sister which was also her best friend in life, Sue Duty of Pineville, WV, sister Mattie Lee Browning of OH; brother Taney Altizer of Huntington, WV; sister-in law and brother-in law Margaret and Gaylord Short who were true friends in life. Those dearest to her heart were her grandchildren, James (JR) wife Jessica and Blake wife Nicole Cook, Chase and Megan McKinney, Alexis and Madison Bannister; great-grandson Stacy Hayes and great-granddaughter Savannah Cook.
Earlene found her joy with her family and especially with her soulmate and husband Bob camping, cooking, playing cards and traveling before she became ill. She will truly be missed by everyone she touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations to be made to the Children's Diabetes Foundation at https://www.childrensdiabetesfoundation.org/ To dedicate this donation in the memory of Mawmaw B please do the following; 1.Select Donate 2. Dedicate my Donation (Green Button) 3. Type in Earlene Bannister in the memory section.
Due to Covid-19 CDC recommendations, a private visitation will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2020 from 12-1 pm with a funeral service at 1 pm at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley, WV. Online condolences may be offered at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com For the safety and concern for the family of Mrs. Bannister, the family requests that those who attend the services please ensure that proper facial coverings are worn. Our staff at Blue Ridge Funeral Home appreciate your understanding. Blue Ridge Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family.