Bennie M Banks

June 12th, 1931-August 19th, 2025

Born on June 12, 1931, Bennie was the beloved daughter of the late John and Tennessee (Wright) Wilmoth. On August 12, 1949, she married Robert "Bob" Banks, with whom she shared 69 years together. She and Bob were both members of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.

Bennie was a voracious reader, especially of mystery novels, and had a particular fondness for the works of Mary Higgins Clark. Her passion for reading was matched only by her competitive spirit at the Scrabble board, where she remained a formidable opponent well into her 90s. Her sharp wit, warm laugh, and legendary chocolate pies will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her. She had an extraordinary green thumb and knew the scientific name of any flower. Her beautiful garden attracted birds and butterflies of all kinds, and you would find her on the front porch in her comfy clothes watching the hummingbirds visit.

Above all, Bennie was devoted to her family. Her love for her children and grandchildren was unwavering, and her hugs were known to bring comfort and joy. She was known to be the loudest Grandma on the sideline cheering on her grandkids at any of their sports events. Her favorite thing of all was spending time with her five grandchildren, whether that was cuddled up watching a show and eating pizza or making sure their favorite treats were available.

She is survived by her children: Jennifer (Brion) Haynes, Robert Stephen Banks, Craig D. Banks, David Eric (Bonita) Banks, and Melissa Gayle (Tony} Everidge; grandchildren: Erin Melissa Haynes, Tyler Wayne(Christina) Everidge, Ryan Anthony (Hannah} Everidge, Lindsey Taylor (Joey) Everidge-Smith, and Jared Robert (Amanda) Everidge; her sister, Esther (Wilmoth) Welsh; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Bennie was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Banks; her parents; her sister, Leona (Wilmoth) Lakes; and her brother, Milvard Wilmoth.

Visitation will be held Sunday August 24, 2025 from 2 to 4 pm at Anderson in Franklin

(1357 E 2nd St, Franklin, OH 45005).

Memorial services will be graveside at 11am Monday August 25, 2025 Springboro Cemetery (2348 W Lower Springboro Rd, Springboro, OH 45066) with Rev. Tony Everidge officiating.