Blanche Banks Sims

Blanche was born and raised on the farm in the Spring Hope Community to the parents of the late Lewis and Mattie Banks. She was the third oldest of eight children. She gave birth to fifteen children, two of which were stillborn and two that passed away as infants. She worked as a waitress for many years including Bland’s Truckstop and Rice’s Grill. She drove a CARTS van for over 20 years. She spent her life helping people. She assisted in the care of her grandparents, mother, brother-in-law and sister so they could be at home with their family. Blanche spent her retirement years helping in the care of her granddaughter, Leslie Marie. She touched many lives with her love and laughter. She was a member of Crossroads Baptist Church and the Swannie Colvard Sunday school class. During her last few years, she was home bound but she filled her family’s life with the legacy of faithfulness. She will be truly missed by her family, church family and friends. She has run the good race and heard the words “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” She has received her reward and rests in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Leslie B. Coward and Charlie E. Sims; sons Michael Coward and William “Bill” Coward; daughters Linda Coward and Ann Sullivan; granddaughter Christina Coward; brother Billy Banks; sisters Shirley West, Thelma Bobo, Bessie Evans and Brenda Henry.

She is survived by her sons Leslie R. Coward, Gregory Chase, and Keith Chase; her daughters Carolyn Lee, Sandra Coalley (Ralph), Cathy Stacy, Francis Crews and Denise Potter (Ricky); sister Billy Faye Powell of New Bern; brother Lewis “Buddy” Banks (Margie) of New Bern; sixteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Baptist Church, 1802 US Hwy 70, New Bern, NC 28560.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Crossroads Baptist Church. Family will receive friends Friday, February 6, 2015 from 6-8 pm at Crossroads Baptist Church. Burial will be at New Bern Memorial Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home.

Online condolences at may be made to the family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com.