Callie Banks

Born on November 30, 1931 in North Little Rock, Arkansas to the union of Silas Johnson and Minnie Armstrong from North Carolina she preceded in death her mother and father and husband Willie banks, married for 53 years and her two children Tony and Damon Banks. She grew up in the country farms of North Little Rock. She was formally educated at Dunbar High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Callie Johnson married Willie Banks and left Little Rock, Arkansas, which also allowed them to leave the segregated south for a better life in the big city of Kansas City. They were accompanied by their 1st born son Reggie Banks. Callie and Willie Banks raised 11 children. One of Callie's jobs was working as a nanny, in Lake City. But the post office was her job for many years until she retired. Callie's favorite saying was; "I'LL BEAT YOUR POT!" She loved to travel and make people smile, for her smile would light up the room and it was infectious to all those around her. She would play dominoes for hours with friends and family. Not only did Callie Banks have 11 children but she came from a family of 11 siblings, preceded in death by both parents; Silas and Minnie Johnson, who also had 11 children: Willie, Silas, Earnest, Bernice Giles, Lula Banks, Priscilla Brown, Zettie Belcher and Survivors Curtis, Naomi Barnes and Elijah. All the men were Johnson. November 16, 2016 was the homecoming for Callie Banks. She leaves behind not only her legacy of good works, but a family that calls her blessed. Surviving children: Reggie Banks, Ronald Banks, Byron and Sharon Banks, Vincent Banks, Phyllis Banks, Kelvin Banks Sr., Darryl and Annette Banks, Collette Banks-Ugwah , Myrna Strozier; 16 grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. The love that Callie Banks extended can only be measured by the lives that she touched, for she touched many. She will never be forgotten for the tremendous affect she had on others.