Alma Banks

Alma was baptized at an early age by the late Rev. Houston McEwen. She attended school at Rose Hill High School. She accepted Christ at an early age at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Osyka, Mississippi.

In November of 1952, she married her sweetheart, Ernest Banks, in Walthall County, Mississippi. In 1955, her and Ernest relocated to Houma, Louisiana to build a beautiful life for their family. She later became a devoted member and usher at the Greater New Salem Baptist Church.

Alma Banks lived a life poured out in love. She was a gentle soul with a warrior’s prayer, a servant’s heart, and hands that fed and comforted multitudes. Whether she was sowing seeds in her garden, stirring love into every meal, or ushering God’s people with grace at Greater New Salem, she gave herself freely and joyfully. Alma cared deeply, loved fiercely, and touched every life she encountered with kindness. Beautiful inside and out, she was a steady light---faithful, nurturing, and endlessly giving. Her legacy lives on in the hearts she lifted, the prayers she prayed, and the love she planted everywhere she went.

Alma is survived by her sons Ernest (Cheryl) Banks, Jr. and Andrew (Ethel Lee) Banks; her bonus daughter and son Elaine and Wayne Townsend; her sister, Rosie Pendleton; grandchildren Patrick (Norma) Banks, Wanika Lewis- Humphrey, Torrey (Sara) Banks, Wendy Jackson, Jileesa Banks, Jernae’ Bolden, Kierra Bolden, Generra Banks, Michael Norman, Jr., Davon (Stephanie) Charles, Dwayne Jones, and Deshaun Jones; Great-grandchildren Blake Banks, Shayde Lopez, Isabella Banks, Lathan Bolden, Landon Jones, Malachi Oge’, Giovanni Banks, Gianna Williams, Madysyn Humphrey, Miles Steele, Layla Simmons, Landon Simmons, London Jones, and Zuriyah Smith; two former daughter-in-law, Gayle Banks and Cheryl Banks and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Banks, Sr., her daughter, Rosa Banks Bolden, son-in-law Archie T. Bolden; parents E.J. and Irecia Taylor Simmons; brothers, Willie John and Curtis Simmons; sisters, Willie Mae Simmons Martin, Violettie Simmons Pittman, Delia Mae Simmons Pittman, Alva Mae Simmons Hurst, and Flora Lee Simmons Lewis; granddaughter, Shanta Norman Simmons; brother-in- laws, Leslie Hurst and J.C Lewis.

The family of Mrs. Alma Banks would like to thank Hope Hospice and the countless people who stepped in to care for her until the very end.

Visitation will be held at Greater New Salem Baptist Church, located at 818 Lafayette St, Houma, LA, on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and again on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The funeral service will follow at the same location on Saturday, December 6, 2025, starting at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at Southdown Cemetery.