Louis Mae Banks

Louis Mae Banks was born on November 25th, 1939, to the late Johnnie Jones and Mae Francis Gallion, in Dublin, Mississippi. As the sixth child in a large family that included seventeen brothers and sisters, she managed the responsibility of going to school, helping in preparing meals for the family and assisting with taking care of her younger siblings. This would later form her strong personality, solid work ethic, unique sense of humor and empathic nature.

In the early 60’s, “Cookie” as she was affectionately known as by family and friends, moved to Harlem, New York with her younger sister, Mamie Lee. She would work in the neighborhood restaurant preparing meals that drew recognition from patrons across the city. In 1965, Louis Mae gave birth to her only child, Alvin Terrance Banks. Shortly after, they moved to Bronx, New York where she again prepared delicious meals in the neighborhood restaurant earning the respect and love of customers from across the city. She would later take her culinary skills to Iola Jordan Day Care Center, providing nourishment for the school’s young students.

During the 80’s, “Cookie” would transition to the health care industry, providing premium care for clients, most of which had terminal illnesses. Her unconditional care and commitment to her patients transcended her required responsibility. At times, working 12-14 hour shifts to ensure they were taken care of and felt safe. In 1996, Louis Mae was diagnosed with cancer, which was no match for this tough “Cookie”. She went on to have a life where she would be a beacon of hope to her family, friends and anyone who was blessed to be in presence.

Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Fred Burrell, Louis Mae was an active member of Fellowship Baptist Church. While she served primarily in the church choir, “Cookie” once again put her culinary skills to work providing delicious meals for the congregation and visitors alike. In addition to cooking, she had a few hobbies. She often reminisced about fishing and catching frogs with her brothers as a child, but there was no hobby she enjoyed more than talking on the phone with her family and friends. A single phone call could go on for hours, with both parties laughing until they were in tears.

Louis Mae was preceded in death by her siblings: Johnnie Jones, Jr., Earline Haynes, Herman L. Jones, Joe N. Jones, Marshall E. Jones, Edward J. Jones, Bobby R. Jones, and Larry J. Jones. She is survived by siblings: Dorothy L. Carter, Mamie L. Walton, Lois Ann Acklin, Helen Y. Jones,  Melvin D. Jones. Antonio Jones, Carol D. Nash and Linda J. Jones. Her son, Alvin Terrance Banks. Her four grandchildren, Nicole Ashlee Banks-Quintero, Miles Lambert Banks, Talia Monique Banks and Kaili Gabrielle Banks. Her Great-Grandchildren Carter Isaiah Terrance Banks and Allianne Molina Quintero.

Louis Mae will be remembered as a fighter with a heart of gold. Who overcame, persevered, and inspired others to reach inside, find their truths and aspire to become their best selves.

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