Millard Ivory Banks

Millard Ivory Banks was born on June 28, 1934, in Arkadelphia, AR, to the union of the Rev. Andrew Jackson Banks Jr. and Burnesse Eva Ivory Banks, both of whom have gone home to glory. To this union, two children were born: Estelle Demetria Flowers (d. 1990) and Millard Ivory Banks.

As a child, Millard attended Peake Elementary and Middle School, and Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Arkadelphia.

In 1949, Millard moved to San Francisco and lived with his sister, Estelle Demetria Flowers, and brother-in-law, Moses L. Flowers. He went on to graduate from George Washington High School. During high school, Millard played football. Many of his friends and teammates called him “Miller” or “Mud,” as a nickname for Millard. Some of his closest friends called him “Mud” throughout his life.

Millard joined First Union Baptist Church in San Francisco, under the leadership of the late Rev. Nathaniel Reason, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He sang in the choir and periodically attended Baptist Training Union.

In 1952, Millard married his high school sweetheart, Eloise White. To this union, two daughters were born: Antoinette Maria and Deirdra Denise.

In the same year, Millard started to work for Linderman’s Garage as a Mechanic & Parking Attendant; he worked there for 28 years. He was a member of the Teamsters Union Local #665, also for 28 years. Following his employment with Linderman’s Garage, he worked for the United States Postal Service for two years as a Meter Attendant. Millard went on to work at Safeway stores as a warehouseman.

While living in San Francisco, he joined the Supreme House of Jacob (Holiest Church) under the leadership of Elder Perry Montgomery in Richmond and the leadership of his stepfather-in-law, Elder Eacle Criner, in San Francisco.

In 1978, he relocated to his hometown of Arkadelphia to care for his ailing mother. In 1980, he was joined there by his sister and brother-in-law, who retired and moved to assist Millard in caring for their mother.

Back home in Arkadelphia, Millard thrived. He reunited with old friends and family, which was especially important to him. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to help members of his family.

Millard’s house became a meeting spot. It was full of love and laughter, and music. He welcomed all comers with open arms and a big smile and a hug. There were very few people in Arkadelphia who didn’t know Millard or who weren’t touched by his warmth and generosity. He had a larger-than-life personality and he attracted good people.

In 1979, Millard found his true calling. He took a job with the Arkadelphia Human Development Center as a group leader for mentally and physically challenged children. At the Children’s Colony - as it was affectionately called - Millard thrived. He really enjoyed his job caring for and teaching children and young adults basic life skills, such as hygiene, clothing and feeding themselves, as well as keeping their rooms clean.

Millard took residents on outings and engaged them in outdoor activities such as softball, bowling and track and field events. He was a very well-liked and highly respected employee who got along fabulously with residents and co-workers alike.

Millard always was upbeat at the Children’s Colony. And he was a problem solver. He worked for the Arkadelphia Human Development Center for 17 years and retired in 1996, leaving a huge void.