Deborah W. Banks

Deborah W. Banks departed this life on Saturday, November 27th, 2021, at her home in New Orleans, LA. She was 87 years old. She was born on January 26th, 1934, in New Orleans, LA. She is the daughter of the late Leola Williams, and the late Reverend Robert West Sr.  She is the wife of the late Lawrence Banks Sr.

Deborah was baptized at Mt. Herman Baptist Church in New Orleans, and was an active member of Greater Galilee Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Jerry Henry Jr. She retired from the Orleans Parish School Board after working many years as a cafeteria worker. She resided in Denver Colorado after Hurricane Katrina for 12 years.     

She is the mother of Christopher Banks and stepmother of Reginald Banks and Lawrence Banks Jr.

Sister of Patricia Elliott of Las Vegas, Nevada, Tyrone West (Diane) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Dr. George West (Norma) of Montgomery, Alabama, and Katherine Jefferson (Edward), whom she raised since childhood.

Grandmother of Chrishell Marks and Christiana May, devoted aunt to Edward Jefferson Jr, Kimberly Jefferson, and Kyle Jefferson, she is also the great aunt of Sebastian Jefferson.  She is also survived by 3 great grandchildren, her special cousin Louis Lee Jr, her close friend Anna Lee Joseph, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and devoted friends.

Deborah is predeceased by her loving companion Aaron Branch, 3 step children, Michael Banks, Linda Sears, and Carol Banks, 2 brothers Robert West Jr, and Robert Lee West.

Relatives and friends of the family, pastor, officers and members of Crown of Life Lutheran Church, current and former employees of John McDonough High School, are all invited to attend the celebration of life services which will be held on Saturday, December 11th, 2021 at Greater Galilee Baptist Church located at 2013 St. Ann Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. The visitation will begin at 9 a.m., and the service will begin at 10 a.m.  Pastor Jerry Henry Jr., officiating and entombment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery located at 10400 Old Gentilly Road, New Orleans, LA 70127.

The family also invites everyone to share with them at the repast which will be held Crown of Life Lutheran Church located at 11721 Morrison Road New Orleans, LA 70128. 

Due to COVID – 19, EVERYONE in attendance MUST wear a facemask or other proper facial covering and practice social distancing. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deborah W. Banks, please visit our floral store.