Gladys BANKS

Gladys Y. Holloman Banks was born on October 24, 1940 in Chauncey, GA to the late Maxie Holloman and the late James Tarver Jr. Gladys was the sixth of eleven children. She went to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1968 to care for her oldest sister during a time of need. After her sister's health improved, Gladys decided to make Cincinnati home for her and her daughter.

Gladys was united in holy matrimony to Martin Banks in 1977. Martin preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her siblings- Charlie Mae Holloman, Clara Wyche, Ellenor Holloman, Patricia Worthy, and Sarah Lue Floyd. Over the years she was employed with Oak Pavilion Nursing home, Dr. Martin Luther King Academy, Babe Baker's, Red Cross and Ron's 301 Bar.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, singing, and sitting outside on her porch. She was the eyes and ears of the neighborhood. She was the community grandma and always had a kind and encouraging word to say. She was a woman of many talents- to hear her sing was a blessing from God, she cooked the best food this side of heaven and she was the Royal Crown hair grease queen of straightening and curling hair. There were many times when family and friends would wait for hours at a time to have her press and curl their hair.

She pursued a singing career in her earlier years where she travelled and shared the stage with many great artists such as BB King, Bobby Blue Bland, James Brown and Albert Washington and the Kings just to name a few.

The biggest celebrity she met who changed her life was King Jesus. She was a devoted Christian woman who did not hesitate to share her testimony with anyone. She attended the New St Stephens Community church, where she served as president of the Mother board, until her health declined and she was no longer able to fulfill those duties.

She was a daily reader of God's word and if you were in the house you were a daily listener of God's word because she read each verse loud and clear. She kept the name of Jesus in the atmosphere. After reading, she would sing her old time gospel hymns and have church wherever she was. If you ever witnessed her singing, then you know that she used her gift from God to bless everyone who heard her.

Gladys was a giver. She would give you the shirt off of her back even if she did not have another one to wear. She shared her resources with many organizations and loved ones and never asked for anything back in return. She was "Grandma Gladys" to many beyond her family. She has fed, cared for and did not spare the rod on many of us. She did not hold her tongue and had no problems letting you have it when you needed it, whether you wanted to hear it or not. She kept us all in line and always made her point especially when stretched and bucked her eyes to let you know that she meant business and you better get right!

Gladys was a prayer warrior. She would send up the most heart wrenching, soul convicting prayers for anyone who needed it and she prayed us through the most difficult times of life. She interceded for many of us and we made it through because her prayers availed. She believed in God's word, worked in God's light and provided Godly advice to family and friends alike.

Gladys was an exceptional mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin and friend who gave phenomenal support and love throughout the years to everyone. She never knew a stranger. We are all blessed to have been chosen to share some of this life with her.

Gladys leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted daughter Barbara (James), Four Grandchildren- Virgil II, Jalonda (Michael), Vershawn, and Jamel; Her siblings- Annie B. Hines of Chauncey ,GA, Emma Sue Long of Cincinnati, OH, Connie Golden of Decatur, GA, James Tarver of Chauncey GA and Hattie Tucker of Eastman, GA; her special granddaughter in law Tamika and special son in law Virgil I; 15 Great Grand Children; One great great grandson. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation (11a) and Funeral (12a) - Saturday, September 26, 2015 at New St. Stephens, 2315 Park Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206

Professional services entrusted to W.E. Lusain Funeral Home.