Willie Mae Banks died peacefully Friday, September 3, 2010. Born April 17, 1925 in Winnsboro, SC, she was the oldest daughter of the late Ceasar and Susie Gayden Banks. After finishing high school at Fairfield County School in Winnsboro, Willie Mae further matriculated at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education. It was also While at Johnson C. Smith that she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She earned a Master's Degree from New York University in New York, NY. A dedicated educator, Willie Mae taught 4th and 5th grades for over 40 years at Washington Street Elementary School. She was a faithful member of Trinity AME Zion church and was active in the Daughters of Conference.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Alexander Banks (Minnie), Isaac Banks (Nettie), Celeste Banks (Angeline), Paul Banks (Jennie), David Banks, Robert Banks, Edward Banks and Daniel Banks; sister, Elizabeth Banks Bradford (Ernest); and brother-in-law, Edward Mosby. She leaves to cherish her memory, one sister, Johnnie Mae Banks Mosby of Greensboro; sisters-in-law, Julia A. Banks of Shelby, Yvette Banks of Sacramento, CA, Hilda Banks of Goldsboro and Lauranette Banks of Greensboro; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, 631 East Florida Street, Greensboro. The Rev. Dr. Michael A. Frencher, Sr., pastor, will officiate. Relatives and friends are welcome at the church on Saturday, 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery.