Joseph Banks

Joseph Banks known as “Joe Banks” was born on October 27, 1935, in Hurtsboro, Alabama to Jimmie Lee and Willie Mae Banks (both who preceded him in death). Joe was the oldest child and the only sibling born at home with the assistance of a midwife. Joe trusted and believed in God and attended First Emmanuel Baptist Church in Tuskegee, Alabama where he attended Sunday School and sung in the choir. Joe attended Chambliss Children’s House Elementary School, considered to be a private school for professional parents offering all-day kindergarten through the eighth grade. Alberta Richie was his 4th grade math teacher and mother of the famous American singer, Lionel Richie. The song “Penny Lover” written by Lionel was also the name of the street where the Banks and Richie families lived on “Penny Street”. He graduated from Tuskegee Institute High School in 1956 and a year later migrated from the south to Detroit, Michigan to be with other family members who lived here. On March 1, 1958, Joe joined hands in holy matrimony to Barbara “Bobbie” Jean who preceded him in death and from this union two beloved children were born. Joe was called to duty on November 12, 1958, Register for Selective Service (the draft) by the Army of the United States, and received an honorable discharged from the Armed Forces and Army Reserve on October 31st, 1964, upon meeting the strict requirements set forth by the Congress of the United States. He was a member of the American Legion decorated rifle marksman and received a good conduct medal. He often laughed about how he told them he couldn’t go to the army, because his wife was pregnant and the draft officer said “well, one of you have to go and I don’t think it’s your wife”. Joe was a hard worker all his life coming up as a young man holding many jobs while providing for his family. He worked at General Motors and retired after 30 years as a bump and paint specialist and received the Perfect Attendance Award in 1990. Retirement was exactly what Joe enjoyed and looked forward to. He missed his call to be a farmer because he loved gardening and grew some of the biggest collards, cabbage centerpieces and beefsteak tomatoes to name a few in his backyard for many years. He grew so many vegetables he had enough to share with family, friends and neighbors. Once, he even grew a watermelon. Joe’s front and backyard lawn looked like a professional golf course. As Joe Banks aged, never fully recovering from a total knee replacement, he became unable to live alone and struggled with the idea of losing his independence, but his son, daughter and son-in-law knew it was time to step in and take care of him. Over the past decade they all shared in the labor of love giving their father the best care possible, granting his wish to never go into a nursing home. His granddaughters would help anytime they took overnight trips. Every morning before his daughter went to work, pops would say “be careful” and every night before he went to bed, he always said “THANK YOU!” He was the proudest father and grandfather and never had any problem stretching the truth about what he did for them. Joe Banks loved a house full of folks and hearing laughter, playing, and even chaos from his great grandchildren, that he said was music to his ears. Joe loved old fashioned meals cooked low and slow and never lost his appetite for soul food and homemade desserts. Joe also loved all genres of music, especially the blues and country. Music was his therapy, and the bathroom was his daily Zen room, and he got a kick out of Alexa’s ability to play whatever he wanted to hear. He was a creature of habit and watched his favorite television shows, Sandford and Son, Andy Griffin, The Beverly Hillbillies and the Golden Girls over and over again. He was a die-hard sports fan of the Detroit Lions, Tigers and Pistons. But most of all, whenever his cousin Minnie or Ray, his buddy would call to talk and when his family called or stopped by to visit ending the night tired and with tears of joy. On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Joe Banks made his transition from this life to glory. He leaves to cherish his memories, one son Joseph Banks Jr. (Cynthia Lewis) lifelong partner, one daughter Pamela (Ricky) Motley, three grandchildren Lacey (Daniel) Calhoun, Karlin (David) Wiggins and Courtney Banks. Four great grandchildren Cameron Calhoun, Lyric Calhoun, Gia Wiggins and Camron Moore. Four sisters Annie Berry, Wilma (Louis) Copeland, Debra White and Dorthy (James) Fomby. Two brothers, Arthur Banks and Tom Banks. One aunt Verba George and a host of nieces, nephews’ cousins and dear friends.

Joseph Banks

October 27, 1935 - February 2, 2025