Affectionately known as “Motha” and Lady Banks, Fannie Lee Banks was born on March 30, 1936, in Bryant, Florida, to Elder Arthur Robinson and Missionary Charity Barber-Robinson, both of whom preceded her in death. She was one of eleven children, all of whom also preceded her in death.

On Wednesday, April 9, 2026, she transitioned to life everlasting, surrounded by her loving family. She will forever be missed by all who knew and truly loved her. An honorable mention is extended to the children of The Bible Church of God, who held a special place in her heart.

Lady Banks attended school in Palm Beach County. In 1957, she accepted the Lord as her personal Savior under the leadership of Pastor Davis of Church of God, Pahokee, Florida, and her fellowship with Christ continued throughout her entire life. She truly loved the Lord. If she had the pleasure of meeting you, she would often ask, “Are you saved? Do you love Jesus?”

In her early years, she enjoyed annual travels with her sisters to National Church Conventions. She often shared her desire to gain greater knowledge so that she could return home and uplift her church family and community.

Lady Banks faithfully served alongside her husband, Bishop Sylvester Banks, Sr., in ministry. She was also a gifted entrepreneur and owner of Fannie’s Soul Food. Later, she honed her baking skills and became widely known for her delicious pastries and baked goods. Through her many talents, she was an excellent fundraiser, helping to meet the needs of the church, including building funds, choir robes, and praise team uniforms, among many other efforts.

Lady Banks was a spiritual mother to more than twenty-four churches throughout the United States. She was the producer and director of the Banks Family Singing Group, a member of the Glorious Gospel Singers, and served as a National Mother for over ten years. She also spoke at numerous women’s gatherings and church functions, leaving a lasting impact wherever she ministered.

Lady Banks was a devoted wife of more than seventy years, a faithful partner in ministry, a community advocate, and a respected leader alongside her husband. She remained a steadfast source of love and support to Bishop Sylvester Banks, Sr. throughout their remarkable journey together.

One of Lady Banks’ greatest joys was listening to the beautiful a cappella harmonies of her daughters, the Banks Trio, and hearing her sons, brothers-in-law, nephews, and others preach the Word of Christ. Her legacy as an encourager—marked by love, faith, and service—will live on through her twelve children.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving, faithful, and devoted husband, Bishop Sylvester Banks, Sr.; her children: Laquitta (James), Teresa (Everett), Sylvester Jr. (Lekeshia), Frederick Banks, Sheila Banks, Margrady Banks, Terry (Annette), Steven (Rhonda), Gale (Stevie), Sabrina (Marc), Serena Banks, and Melinda (Kary); Anita & Albert preceded her in death); 153 grandchildren; a bonus nephew, James White; a bonus uncle, Robert Lee (St. John MBC); godchildren, Remuise Johnson and Christopher Denson; and honorable mention cousins, Cal Hunter, Laura Sanders, and Marie Haynes and their families, Tammie Attaway & Ronald Banks “Buttermilk”. She also leaves to cherish her memory; the Grimes Family, the Collins Family, the Bouie Family, Willie Earl Banks and the Quincy family, the BCOG Boynton Family; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended BCOG, Inc. church family members, and youth whom she truly loved.