Virgie Banks

HAYWOOD CITY, Mo. -- Virgie Lee "Sister" Banks, 83, of Haywood City died Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Mo.

She was born Dec. 7, 1919, in Forrest City, Ark., daughter of Tommie and Julie Caruthers Sims. She and Rogers Banks were married in December 1941. He died in August 1960.

Banks lived in Missouri about 60 years. She was a member of New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church.

Survivors include four sons, Rogers and Donald Banks of Haywood City, Melvin and Delbert Banks of Sikeston; four daughters, Sarah Woodson and Brenda Banks of Haywood City, Aretha Smoot of Chicago, Abigail Smith of Sikeston; 45 grandchildren; 67 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by three daughters, four sons, and a great-grandson.

Friends may call at New Morning Church after 11 a.m. Saturday.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Alex Sims officiating. Burial will be in J.C. Pullen Memorial Cemetery at Bell City, Mo.

Williams-Farr and Purnell Funeral Home at Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.