Carmen Louisa Mercado Banks

Carmen Louisa Mercado Banks of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. She will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, friend, and colleague to all that knew and loved her.

Carmen was born on October 20, 1943 in Austin, Texas to Maria Riojas Mercado and Louis Mercado. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School May and began college life at Southwestern University with an interest in art and pre-medical. She transferred to the University of Texas in Austin in her second year and then married Don E Banks Nov. 20th 1965. Married life began in Houston, Texas and during this time both Robyn and Brian were born before the family moved on to Dallas 1970. Once the children were settled in school, Carmen was accepted to Southern Methodist University where she earned her Bachelors in Fine Arts in 1978. Carmen initially worked for IBM and then Xerox as a graphic designer until 1985. At this time in her life she answered a calling to help others through her work with the STEP Foundation for the next two years. She was highly valued in her final place of work as a medical illustrator for the Baylor College of Dentistry until her retirement in 2003.

She is survived by her husband, Don E Banks; children, Brian Banks and Robyn Lawrance, and grandson Oscar Elliott Lawrance. She was preceded in death by both parents Maria Riojas Mercado and Louis Mercado and by her beloved Ben and Cleo Sheeler.

Carmen loved people and dedicated a significant amount of her time to helping others through her volunteer work with White Rock United Methodist Church, Doctors Hospital, the Stewpot Homeless Shelter and For the Love of the Lake. She had a passion for music which began at a young age in learning to play the piano and flute. As an adult, she enjoyed singing in the church Chancel Choir at White Rock and playing the American Native flute. Throughout her adult life, she explored wide interests in arts and crafts through paper media, pottery, photography, stained glass, jewelry making, and rubber stamping.

Carmen’s funeral service will be held on Friday, July 14th at White Rock United Methodist Church at 1450 Old Gate Ln, Dallas, Tx 75218. Viewing of the casket will be available at the church from 5pm with the service beginning at 6pm. The burial will take place on Monday, July 17th at 11am at the Balanco Cemetery in Blanco, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a memorial contribution, please consider contributing to the Stewpot (a Dallas based charity for the homeless), Doctors Without Borders or to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Each charity was close to Carmen’s heart.