Mildred "Sue" Banks

Mildred Susan “Sue” Banks was born on in Lynch, Kentucky. She entered eternal life on June 6, 2026 after a long, brave battle. While our hearts are broken and the world feels cold and grey today, the light she shone while here will carry us through.

Sue was born in Lynch, Kentucky but grew up in Jellico, Tennessee after losing her father at an early age. After graduating from Jellico High School, she moved to Louisville, courageously taking advantage of the work ethic and intelligence instilled by her mother. She attended nursing school at Kentucky Baptist School of Nursing, where she received her RN diploma. While there, she forged lifetime friendships and met the love of her life, Thomas “Tom” Banks. They wed on October 3, 1963, in Jellico, Tennessee.

Sue and Tom returned to Louisville in 1968, with Sue beginning work with Baptist Hospital. They soon had and reared three children, Laurel, Becky and Tommy, who completed Sue’s family. Sue would have been the first to tell you that her family came first and was her most proud accomplishment. She demonstrated that to them daily.

Sue’s drive in this world was to care for others. At work, her patients were her top priority. For her home, Sue made one of happiness, education, dedication, inspiration, and kindness, but most of all, of love. Sue volunteered at schools and church, and she was the first to volunteer to host any family get-together, with Christmases and Birthdays being the most special of days. She taught her children to love fiercely; to give unconditionally; and to give hope, courtesy and kindness at every turn.

Following the passing of Tom, Sue pressed forward courageously, spending the next many years of her life finding new social circles and spending time with family. She came to be cared for by loving hands at Storypoint and by the most compassionate personal caregivers. Our family cannot thank all of them enough for helping make her final years full of joy and happiness.

The legacy of a person, the story that they leave behind, should be measured by the lives that they touched for the better. For Sue, that number is immeasurable. To quote Sue’s favorite musician:

Every person carves their spot

and fills the hole with light.

And we pray some day we might

Shine as bright as she.

Sue is survived by her children, Laurel (Patrick), Becky, and Tom (Brittany), and her grandchildren, Adam (Courtney), Hannah, Emma, James, Tucker and Bo. Sue is predeceased by her husband, Tom, her mother, Merline, and father, Clyde.

Visitation will be at Arch L. Heady, 7410 Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222 on Thursday, June 11 from 4pm until 8pm; a funeral service at that same location at noon on Friday, June 12, with burial to follow at Cave Hill Cemetery. Gifts in memory of Sue can be sent to the American Red Cross, Hosparus Health, or a charity of your choice.