Julia Elaine Williams Banks was called to eternal rest on November 19, 2025, in Greensboro, North Carolina, at WhiteStone Care and Wellness Center.  She was born in Mocksville, North Carolina on March 4, 1940, to the late Booker Thomas Williams and Lillian Gaither Williams.  Julia attended the Davie County Training School in Mocksville and graduated in 1957 as valedictorian.  She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina, with honor in 1961.  In addition, Julia received the Master of Science Degree in Education and the Master of Science Degree in Administration from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Julia was a very active member of Trinity AME Zion Church, where she served as the former Minister of Music; former President and member of the Sanctuary Choir; and a member of the Daughters of Conference, Life Members' Council, Parent Body Missionary Society, and the Cultural Arts Society Club.  Julia chaired the Capital Improvement Campaign Committee and was the founder and former director of the Julia W. Banks Handbell Choir.   She also received the Layperson of the Year Award in 2015.  Julia attended Bible Study and Sunday School at Trinity and was awarded a certificate of appreciation as a member of the Half-Century Club of the AME Zion Church.  She loved a variety of excellent music, which included hymns, anthems, spirituals, gospel, and classical.

Julia spent a total of 38 years in public education as a teacher and administrator in Richmond County, Greensboro City, and Guilford County school districts.  She retired in 1999 as the principal of Alderman Elementary School in Greensboro.  Julia was a
dedicated and committed educator, who loved working with all children.  She was totally committed to ensuring that they received the best education possible.   In addition, Julia was involved with numerous educational curriculum committees and professional memberships.  Special recognitions include being honored as the Guilford County Schools Association of Office Personnel Administrator of the Year, Greensboro City Schools Administrator of the Year, Greensboro Parent Teacher Association Council's Outstanding Elementary Principal, North Carolina Association of Educational Office Personnel Administrator of the Year, recipient of the Outstanding Service Award from the Association for Children with Learning Disabilities, and recipient of the Livingstone College National Alumni Certificate of Award.

In addition, Julia was a past president and member of the Greensboro-High Point Chapter of the Livingstone College Alumni Association and a member of Beta Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.  She also was a member of the NAACP and the Century Club of the Hayes-Taylor YMCA.

Julia was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Vernon Edward Banks; two brothers, Booker N. Williams and Bishop Milton A. Williams, Sr.; a sister, Diane Williams, a foster brother, Eugene Gaither; and a brother-in law, Dr. William Milton White, Sr.  Julia's memory will be cherished by a sister, Brenda Williams White of Kernersville, North Carolina; a brother, Barry Thomas Williams (Cynthia) of Kernersville; a godson and nephew, Barry Lamont Williams (Johneka) of Clayton, North Carolina; three sisters-in-law, Virginia Williams, Rev. Lula Williams, and Barbara Frost; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Julia was a caring and very unselfish person.  Throughout her life, she demonstrated concern for others, including church members, friends, neighbors, family, charitable organizations and others.  Due to health challenges, Julia was a patient at Guilford Health Care and WhiteStone Care and Wellness Center.  During her stay at these facilities, she ministered to those who cared for her by praying for them and encouraged them daily.  Julia will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity AME Zion Church (Capital Improvement Fund), 631 E. Florida Street, Greensboro, NC 27406, in memory of Julia W. Banks.

A public viewing will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Hargett Funeral Service, Inc., 905 E. Market Street, Greensboro from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

A homegoing celebration will be held on Monday, November 24 at Trinity AME Zion Church, 631 E. Florida Street, Greensboro; visitation with the family begins at 11:00 am followed by the service at 12:00 pm. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Park.