Lillian L Bankston

Lillian L. Bankston (affectionately known as Louise to her family) was born on July 7th, 1949. She was the youngest of 6 children born to the union of the late Mr. Leandrew White and Mrs. Lucile Caldwell White of Douglasville, Georgia. Louise departed this earthly life on August 17th, 2022. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, husband, Rev. James D. Bankston Sr., brothers, Ralph White, Robert White, Benny White and Charles White.

Mrs. Bankston attended school in Douglasville, Georgia. She graduated from R.L. Cousins where she played the clarinet in the band and was crowned homecoming queen of her graduating class.

Life’s journey led Mrs. Bankston to college at Albany State University. This is where she met and married Rev. James D. Bankston,Sr. July 7th,1974. To this union of over 20 yrs were born 3 children, Mrs. Iris Y. Dortch, Mrs. Lelita J. Baker and Mr. James D. Bankston, Jr.

Mrs. Bankston was a devoted wife, mother, educator and missionary for the Lord. She loved people, life and most importantly, Jesus Christ. She, along with her husband, operated a business helping recently released inmates from correctional facilities. They prepared and helped them get acclimated back into society and the workforce. The couple, on many instances, also provided food, clothing and shelter for abused mothers with children. They organized and ran a counseling center for many years in Atlantic City, New Jersey and Orlando, Florida called, Sun-Light Community Counseling Center. The center allowed the couple to mentor and minister to many youths over the years through little league baseball and youth activities in low income neighborhoods. The dedicated, dynamic duo worked side by side to be a strong example of Christian love.

Mrs. Bankston began her education career with the Douglas County school system. She was excited to embark on a career that would last over 30 yrs from Douglas County, Kinder-Care Learning Ctr in College Park, Findley Oaks Elementary School in Alpharetta, and finally retired at Hapeville Elementary School with the Fulton County School System. She earned many distinguished awards over the years. She was teacher of the year at Hapeville Elementary. One of 10 winners for “Salute to Child Care Professionals” by the Georgia Child Care Association, with over 400 child care centers participating throughout the state of georgia. Mrs. Bankston also opened a home daycare in Orlando, Florida for 5 years.

Mrs. Bankston was also a longtime member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Atlanta. She was an active member in the choir, July birth month, a teacher of the Sunday School department and president for many years of the Missionary Society. Sister Bankston was well known for her visits to many members of the sick and shut in and to the nearby nursing homes to deliver snacks, goodies and get well cards to her beloved members. Mrs. Bankston was a true woman of God who loved doing "Kingdom" work. She never failed to give God all of the glory, honor and praise for all of her accomplishments. Working for the Lord gave her so much joy in her heart. That joy was the reason why she always had such a beautiful smile on her face. So whenever you think of Mrs. Bankston, remember her smile, remember her heart, and remember the love she had for everyone, especially her Heavenly Father.

Mrs. Bankston leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy… Her loving children, Iris (Jermel) Dortch, Lelita (Barry) Baker, James (La Brina) Bankston Jr., sister; Bernice (Wilfred) West. Sisters-In-Law; Ann White, Linda White and Mrs. Evelyn White-Springer; grandchildren, Jaslyn Dukes, Jadyn Dortch, Myles Dortch, Zaria Bankston, Evan Baker, Tayshawn Galery and Kimora Galery. Nieces, Bridgett White, Chandra Culpepper, Temaria White, Lynece Caldwell, Kenneth Hubbard, Ralph White Jr., Ricky White, Nicholas White, Kevin White and Reginald White, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnfuneralhomemg.com for the Bankston family.