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FRANKLIN – Evelyn Ellis Banks, 97, passed away on Oct. 30, 2021. One of nine children born to the late Arthur and Annie Ellis, she was raised in Suffolk and graduated from Holland High School. Evelyn married Leo Banks in 1942 and was by his side for the next 65 years until his death in 2007.

Evelyn was an exceptional homemaker who loved her family, especially time spent with her grandchildren. She was a good cook, skilled at sewing and quilting and took great pride in her yard and flowers. Evelyn was also one of Franklin’s first to provide childcare in her home. When she and Leo moved to Franklin, they attended Hunterdale Christian Church where they served in many capacities. She was a long standing member of their Women’s Fellowship. They also volunteered together at East Pavilion nursing home.

Evelyn was a present member of Franklin Christian Church where she attended regularly until unable. She was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years holding many positions including worthy matron and chaplain. Evelyn was a kind woman who learned early on to appreciate the simple things in life. She loved her family and blessed them in many ways by setting an example with her honest and giving nature.

Left to cherish special memories are her best friend and favorite daughter, Tootsie Boone and family of Gates, North Carolina; her sons, Leo Banks Jr. (Mary) and family of Tampa, Florida and Lynn Banks of Franklin; her daughter, Nina Fowler (Jimmy) and family of Franklin; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; a brother, Royce (Joyce) of Smithfield and a special niece, Debra Banks McLaughlin of Virginia Beach.

The family would like to thank the staff and her caregivers at The Village at Woods Edge for the special care and love they provided.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2 in Wright Funeral Home with the Rev. James H. Hyatt Jr. officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the funeral home and suggests that memorial donations be made to the Women’s Fellowship of Franklin Christian Church or your favorite charity.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org