Tommie R. Banks went home to be with Jesus on Resurrection Day, Sunday, April 1 2018 at 6:20 P.M. Tommie was born on December 16, 1926. She launched her career in 1951, when she was employed by the Supervisor of Elections office under Fletcher Bowden. Throughout the years she advanced and eventually was promoted to Assistant Supervisor of Elections. July 1986, Governor Bob Graham appointed Tommie to succeed the retiring Harry Nearing as Supervisor of Elections. Tommie held the Supervisor of Elections office for 13 years.
During Tommie's notable career in the Supervisor of Elections Office she had a reputation for being the smiling lady. She was always pleasant and professional in her demeanor. Tommie retired from office in 1999 and married a longtime acquaintance, Charles Banks.
Tommie was a member of Westside Baptist Church where she served as a greeter, welcoming everyone into the house of the Lord with a big smile. She was a member of the Altrusa Club and of course the Red Hat Club.
She had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening and growing vegetables. She played the piano and grew up playing while her brother Ray Ross sang along. She enjoyed her family and always made others feel welcome, with a smile.
She is predeceased by her parents, Tom and Laurette Ross; her husbands Ben Shaw, Buford Bell and Charles Banks; her grandson Edward Phillip Krawiec III; and a great granddaughter Megan Simmons. She is survived by her brother Ray Ross (Lattrele); three daughters Connie L. Krawiec, Pennie J. Patania (Tom), and Karen Simmons; her grandchildren Tommie Krawiec, Matthew Patania, Neta Sessions, Kylie Simmons and Kevin Simmons; as numerous great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held for Tommie on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 10:30 A.M. at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home. You may leave words of comfort and sympathy at www.HGRiversideFuneralHome.com . HARDAGE-GIDDENS, RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL PARK and FUNERAL HOME, 7242 Normandy Boulevard is serving the family.
