Earl Leonard Banks

Obituary For Earl Leonard Banks

11/28/1973 - 02/05/2024

VISITATION:

Friday, February 16, 2024

2 p.m. - 5 .m.

Lakefront Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

976 Main St

Tchula, MS 39169

SERVICE:

Saturday, February 17, 2024

11 a.m.

East Jones M.B. Church

Howard Rd

Lexington, MS

OBITUARY:

Earl L. Banks entered this world on a chilly day in Chicago, Illinois, a city that would forever hold a piece of his heart. Born to Dorothy and Nathaniel Banks, he was welcomed into a loving family, the oldest of seven siblings. From the very beginning, his journey was colored with laughter, mischief and a deep sense of familial love.

In 1982, the family made the bold move from the bustling streets of Chicago to the serene town of Tchula, Mississippi. It was here that he would come of age, build lasting friendships, and leave an indelible mark on the community. His roots ran deep in Tchula, where he remained until his passing.

Growing up alongside his siblings Kalvin Banks (Southaven, MS), Pamela Banks(Olive Banks, MS) David Banks((Tchula, MS) Nicki Banks (Tchula, MS),Keith Banks(Tchula, MS) and Felicia Banks(Tchula, MS) and unbreakable bond was formed. He made sure that the home was always filled with laughter, as he had a knack for mischief. Pranks became his specialty, and he relished in the joy they brought to our household.

Early on, he found solace and guidance in his faith. Earl accepted Christ and was baptized at a tender age of Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Earl’s spiritual journey was a cornerstone of his life providing him with strength and purpose through life’s struggles. His commitment to his faith served as a guiding light, illuminating his path even in the darkest of times.

Earl’s journey through education led him from Milestone Elementary Schol to S.V. Marshall High School, where he graduated with Class of 1992. Throughout his junior high and high school years, Earl’s creativity found expression through his exceptional talent for drawing portraits. His artistic abilities were undeniable, capturing the essence and soul of his subjects with every stroke of his pencil. Drawing became his happy place.

His professional endeavors led him down the path of carpentry work at Lexington Homes in Lexington, MS. Additionally, he worked at the Tyson Chicken Factory in Carthage, MS, where he devoted years of hard work and dedication. This was a testament to his steadfast nature and commitment to providing for his loved once’s.

Also, in the realm of family, Earl was preceded in dead by his father, Nathaniel Banks; paternal grandmother, Lillie B. Wilson; and his aunts Nancy Granderson and Pearl Jones. Earl was blessed with three children: Akita Banks, Earl Banks Jr., and Roderick Berry, each a source of pride and joy. Alongside them, the late Bryan Carthan Jr., was embraced as his son, and he also embraced Breniya Carthan as a cherished daughter that he never had, fostering bonds that transcended bloodlines. The pitter-patter of little feet brought him immeasurable joy as he welcomed his grandchild, Riley Makenzie Berry, into his life- a testament to legacy that he leaves behind, as well as a host aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

On February 5, 2024, Earl Leonard Banks passed away, leaving behind cherished memories and an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him. As he bid farewell to this earthly existence, his spirit lives on in the laughter shared, the love given, and the memories cherished by his family, friends, cousins, aunts, uncles and all who were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him. These shared memories will forever illuminate the hearts of those he left behind.