Essie "Faye" Banks

Faye was born in Greenville, South Carolina to James and Lillie Mae (Brewer) Gentry, on November 14, 1940.

She married her husband Billy Banks on June 5, 1954. Five years later, in 1959, Faye and her family moved to Palm City, Florida. In 1995, Faye and her husband made their way back to South Carolina, where they settled in Pickens. She was a devoted member of New Life Baptist Church, located in Pickens. Her hobbies included reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, playing Canasta, and seeing pictures of her family on Facebook.

Faye is survived by her children, James Banks (Susie), Billy Jr. Banks (Debbie), Mary Ann Bagwell (Tom), Jimmy Banks, and Roy Banks (Kathy); sister, Betty Moore (Billy); 20 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Faye was predeceased by her husband Billy Banks Sr.; daughter Sarah Banks; parents James and Lillie Mae Gentry; brothers James Paul Gentry, and Thomas Ray Gentry.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens, South Carolina. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. and the graveside service will be held immediately after.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Memorial Funeral home will be assisting the family.