Mildred Banks' Obituary
Mildred Banks Obituary
Mildred Banks, of Inglewood California transitioned peacefully in her home on January 3, 2024. Mildred was born on September 24, 1947, to Noah and Mary Thomas in Salinas, Kansas. She was the first African American baby born at Schilling Air Force Base. The local newspaper published a picture of her and her mother along with an article.
Mildred spent her early childhood in Florida with her grandmother Eva “Sook” McCoy, where she developed the strong and independent character that she was so well known for. Later moving to California around 1957, she would eventually attend and graduate from Manual Arts high school in 1965.
After high school she went to Los Angeles Trade Tech for cosmetology. The little older ladies in San Bernardino absolutely loved her to do their hair. Later she worked for Kedren as a home health aide before working for LAUSD where her bosses and colleagues adored her.
She married Jerry Banks on April 11, 1976, and they would have one child, Kali Banks, on May 14, 1977. Kali (her "plummy") was Mildred's pride and joy. Jerry died in 1982 and Mildred's labor of love continued as she raised her three nephews (Dakston Brown, Armondo Brown, and Aaron DeBeneditto) as her sons.
Mildred was the epitome of a strong woman of God with an undying commitment to raising her sons to have dignity and integrity. Presented with the tribulations of a single mother, her feisty disposition let everyone know she would not back down, and her unconditional love showed she would never give up. Mildred worked over thirty years at Northrop Grumman, selflessly providing for her family. A single mother of four working full time, she returned to school and graduated from National University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business and communications in 1993.
As a member of the Church of God and Christ for over 50 years, Mildred served as church secretary under two Pastors: Mack Washington and Allen Hawkins. She continued to serve the church during and after chemotherapy.
Mildred embodied the qualities that everyone came to know and love. She is known for her door always being opened and unending generosity, which can be seen in how she cared for her entire family and countless others. She never met a stranger and always remembered those in need. Whether she was sending you a gift from Amazon, a love gift via Zelle, praying for you or giving advice about your life, you felt the love and knew she wanted the best for you.
Even as she struggled with illness, she would put others first. She used all her strength to continue pouring into the lives of others. She genuinely cared about everyone’s happiness. Mildred was a living example of a devoted worshipper and God was incorporated in all she did. It was her mission to encourage others to know and follow God.
Mildred dedicated her life to God, family values and supporting those around her. She loved deeply and always reached out to ensure that you knew you were loved. She would openly give to any and everyone no matter the cost. Although Mildred has departed from the body, her smile, laughter, and joyful spirit will live in our lives forever.
Mildred was preceded by her parents, Noah and Mary Thomas, her husband, Jerry Banks, brother, Clarence Norman-Thomas, and her sister, Patricia Thomas.
Mildred is survived by ten siblings: Danny Norman, Charles Norman-Thomas, Pearl Norman-Thomas, Ruthel Rader, Michael Thomas, Carl Thomas, Wendell Thomas, Shinobu Thomas, Chizuka Thomas, Sayori Baldwin (Arnold) and Naomi Gaines (Harvey).
Her four children, Dakston Brown, Armondo Brown, Kali Banks (Monifa), and Aaron DeBeneditto (Shawana).
Ten grandchildren: Eebony Madem (Davontae), Armani Brown, Paige Brown, Tiana Knox (Raesean), Anaya Banks, Armondo Brown Jr., Bishop Banks, Benjamin Banks, Bree Banks and Seth Brown. And eight great-grandchildren: Rae'sean Knox, Ryan Knox, Jayden Knox, Aviena Boston, Rayanna Knox, Rosemarry Knox, Masiah Anderson, and Raiden Knox and a host of nieces and nephews.
Mildred Banks will be remembered for her unwavering love for family, her dedication to God, and her impact on the people she met. In celebrating her life, we find solace in cherishing the beautiful moments and lessons she shared with us. May her memory be a source of strength and inspiration for those who carry on her legacy. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
What’s your fondest memory of Mildred?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mildred?
Share a story where Mildred's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mildred you’ll never forget.
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