Helen Banks Reid

Helen V. Banks Reid went to her eternal home September 15, 2021. She was born, in Greenville, TX, August 1, 1923, to Bessie Alice Blankenship Banks and Virgil Thomas Banks, in a house on Mills Street, across from the flour mill. Her education began in the two rooms of rural Wolfe Creek School. Graduating from Greenville High in 1940, she was a member of the Flaming Flashes Drill Team and was selected as the Texas Flag Bearer. Helen attended Texas Womens University in Denton, Texas Tech in Lubbock and ETSTC in Commerce.

She met her husband of 52 years, John Eagleton Reid, in Greenville. His position with Shell Oil Company took them to Midland, TX, in 1946, where they raised their children, Ronald Eagleton Reid and Judith Alice Reid.

Helen never met a stranger and spent time in 20+ countries for pleasure and church mission trips. She enjoyed speaking in public to countless people and groups about her extraordinary travel experiences. Helen kept relationships alive through old-fashioned correspondence, penning five to ten letters a day! She wore many hats and had quite a snazzy collection! Her servant’s heart kept Helen busy in several organizations including First Baptist Church of Midland, Myrtle Sunday School class, PTA-Life Member, Eastern Star, Trinity Towers Auxiliary, and International Group at First Baptist Church.

Helen was well-known for her keen sense of style in clothing and jewelry, often wearing a ring on every finger. She was blessed as a lifelong, natural brunette, always donning large flowers in her never-aging hair. Her humorous antics prompted much laughter and her enthusiasm for life was contagious.

After her husband’s death in 1999 Helen returned to Greenville where she enjoyed several years near her brother, J.E. Banks, her son, Ronnie and his wife, Margie. She was an active member of Park Street Baptist Church Greenville. In 2013, she moved to Houston to be near her daughter Judy and family. There she worshiped Jesus at Spring Woods Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bessie and T Banks; brothers, J.E. Banks and wife Raylene, and Tommy Banks; her husband, John Reid; son, Ronnie; infant son, Barry; sisters Sharon Banks Allen and Brenda Banks, and cousin, Sue Banks Stone. She is survived by her daughter, Judy Reid Tripp (Hank) and daughter-in-law Margie Reid. She was a fun, energetic “Mimi” to four granddaughters: Denise Rogers (Bill), Jennifer Lamprecht (Ed), Tracey Best (John) and Marci Rogers (Stacey); 8 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren; nephews, Kevin Banks and Lance Banks; nieces, Allison Banks Wooden, Andrea Banks Lara, Paige Banks Spradling, Shelli Banks Guyton, Hayley Banks Wooten; numerous Banks Family great nieces and nephews, several special cousins including Betty Houser Malowick, J P Daugherty (Tammy), and her infinite list of friends.

For their loving care, the family would like to especially thank Magnolia House Evergreen Cottages and A*Med Hospice.

A visitation in Houston was held at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Spring Woods Baptist Church, 10131 Emnora Ln. Houston, TX 77080, where funeral services followed at 10:00 a.m., with Reverend Jerry Mayfield, officiating. Burial services were in Midland, Texas on Friday, September 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park, 4616 N Big Spring Street Midland, TX 79705.

Honorary Pallbearer, Hank Tripp. Active Pallbearers, Ed Lamprecht, John Best, Alex Lamprecht, Ryan Lamprecht, Stacey Rogers, Bill Rogers and Kevin Banks.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Spring Woods Baptist Church,10131 Emnora Ln. Houston, TX 77080) or A*Med Community Hospice, 3535 Briar Park Dr. Houston, TX 77042.