Willie Mae Banks

Willie Mae Banks

February 7, 1938 – February 22, 2021

Willie Mae Banks born February 7, 1938, to the late Elizabeth (Guy) and Willie Poston in Hartsville, SC. She departed this life on February 22, 2021 at Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, NJ.

Willie Mae, affectionally known as Buttons grew up on a tobacco farm, had a love for all animals especially her pet cow, and attended school in Hartsville, SC.

At an early age Buttons traveled back and forth from South Carolina to Potters Crossing, Cranford, and Elizabeth, NJ.

Buttons met and married Joseph Banks and from this union came a 45-year marriage and ten children raised in Elizabeth, NJ: Joseph Jr., Janeese, Jerome, Daniel, David, Robert, Rasheed, Lateef, Sharifa, and Fatima.

Willie Mae has always been a strong presence in our community and everyone’s life she has touched.

As a community advocate Willie Mae has received numerous commendations, certificates, and awards for her commitment and dedication to shaping minds and helping families fight the good fight. She has sat on the boards and has affiliations with various community organizations such as Caffio, The Women’s Committee for Quality Education, The National Parent Organization, CORE, The NAACP and The Kinship Connection and Title 1.

Willie Mae started working for the Elizabeth Board of Education in the late 1970’s with the Title 1 program and was placed at Lafayette School #6. As her work responsibilities grew, her title also grew to become the first Parent Liaison in the city of Elizabeth. She enjoyed being able to work in her community and keep a close eye on her children.  Wille Mae always believed in keeping her family strong and keeping them together. After decades of defining her role as a Mother, Educator and Community Advocate, she retired in 2003 but never stopped working.  She was still a pivotal part of her community.

She is predeceased by her parents Willie and Elizabeth Poston, husband of 45 years Joseph Banks, sons Joseph Jr, Daniel and David, siblings Samuel (Ruby), Hannah (Dick), Robert, JC, Zeeda (William), Romie, Nathaniel (Genevieve), Leonard (Edna), Brodus, and Albert.

She leaves to cherish her loving and lasting memories three daughters; Janeese Faison (Ricky) of Tacoma, WA., Sharifa and Fatima of Elizabeth, NJ, four sons Jerome, Robert, Rasheed (Mildred), and Lateef (Tasha) all of Elizabeth, NJ. One brother; Winston Guy of Elizabeth, NJ, and one sister-in-law; Ida Bea Guy of Plainfield, NJ, her grandchildren; Lisa, Lakeisha, Jamillah, Jerome Jr., Joseph III, Traya, Mary, Nate, IBN, Jamar, Nydirah, Rasheed Jr, Shakiir, Lateef Jr., Giannee, Shanaya, Khatierah, Adina, Aliyaa, and Shawon. nineteen great-grandchildren, numerous adopted children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends

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