Mary Elizabeth "Nanu" Banks

Mary Elizabeth (Railey) Banks, age 99, of San Antonio, affectionately known as “Nanu,”passed away peacefully at home on July 1, 2018. She was born February 21, 1919 in San Antonio to the late Maurice Worthington and Nettie Mae (Denham) Railey.

She married General Lee Banks in 1938, in New Braunsfels, Texas, while he was stationed at Fort Sam Houston, with the United States Army. Although San Antonio was home, the two traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe during his duty assignments during WWII, the Korean conflict and the Vietnam era.

She was a devoted Army wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She enjoyed dancing and frequently attended the ‘Roaring 20’s social club’ on a weekly basis. She was an active member of her Baptist church, at the age of 88, she traveled to Alaska on a missionary trip to help build a church. She enjoyed traveling locally and internationally; having visited The British Isles, Australia and Europe.

She is preceded in death by beloved husband, General Lee Banks; and her son, Maurice Lee Banks.

She is survived by her son, Gene (Jeanie) Banks, of San Antonio; daughter, Mary Beth (Dennis) Raffaelli, of La Habra, California; grandchildren, David Lee (Amy) Banks, Jeffrey (Alissa) Banks, Mary Michelle (Mark) Bradley, Lisa (Robbie) Raffaelli, Dennis Lee (Jaime) Raffaelli, Anthony Raffaelli, Michael Raffaelli, Ann Marie Raffaelli; great grandchildren, Tyler Banks, Casey Banks, Madison Bradley, Ryan Banks, Jackson Banks, Audrey Bradley, Roman Raffaelli; and many close friends she considered family.

Graveside services will be conducted on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 10:00 am with her grandson, Dr. David Banks officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in her name to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.aspca.org)