Christine Lee Banks

Born on June 15, 1937, in Linden, Tennessee, Christine lived a life marked by devotion to her family, her work, and the simple joys that brought her peace. For 16 years, she served the Jackson-Madison County School System as a dedicated school bus driver, faithfully transporting generations of students with care and kindness.

She had a passion for quilting, walking, and tending to her garden. She especially loved growing tomatoes and watching her cherished bluebirds, which brought her endless joy and comfort.

Christine was first married to Franklin “Dick” Lee, a mechanic and volunteer firefighter, with whom she shared 50 beautiful years before his passing in 2001. They settled in Jackson in the 1950s and raised five children together.

Later, she found love again with Charles Banks, and they shared 17 years of marriage until her passing. The family was so blessed for her to live the rest of her life with him. She was often referred to as “a princess” due to his spoiling her and seeing after her needs above his own. He was the most devoted and loving husband and did not leave her side through her illness.

Christine leaves behind a loving family who will miss her dearly: her children, Thomas F. Lee (Marilyn), Bonnie Lee Twyman (Michael), Debra Lee Smith (Luke), and Angela D. Lee; daughter-in-law, Neresa Lee; and bonus daughter, Melody Banks Bradford (Ricky). She was a proud grandmother to 11 grandchildren: Jennifer Lott (Joe), Jessica McCue (Steve), Joshua Twyman (Tonya), Tonya Jones (Stephen), Rustin Smith, Christa Powell (Ryan), Aimee Pierce (Jim), Faith Lee, Mark Bradford (Beth), Megan Bradford Myers (Chris), and Pamela Bradford Berkley (Clint). She is also survived by many great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and her beloved brother, James Roland Hinson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hattie and Grady Hinson and her precious son, John Earl Lee.

Her dear friend Ruth Keisler traveled with her on many adventures. They booked cruises to Alaska and Hawaii and visited Branson for shows.

Our family wants to thank the amazing Madison County Lift team, Jackie Roach and David Pruitt. We would also like to thank Aseracare Hospice and especially our Hospice nurse Brittany Weaver. There are no words to express our love and gratitude, and you have blessed us beyond measure. We could not have made this final journey with our mother without you.

A service to celebrate the life of Christine Lee Banks will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons with burial following in Lesters Chapel Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Mark Pendergrast, Hospice Chaplain of Aseracare Hospice. The family will receive friends beginning at 11 a.m., two hours prior to the service.

The family requests that everyone wear bright pink to honor Christine’s life as it was her favorite color. She was an avid supporter of St. Jude due to two grandchildren that have survived cancer. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to St. Jude.

Christine’s warmth, steady presence, and unwavering love for her family will never be forgotten. Her legacy lives on in every quilt stitched with care, every tomato ripening on the vine, and in the hearts of all who knew her.