- Date Of Death: September 24, 2020
- State: Indiana
It is with incredible sadness and broken heartedness that we announce the passing of our Dear Mother Jacqueline (Jackie) Arline Banks on September 24, 2020. We are comforted that she is present with God.
On March 30, 1937, Jackie was the first child born to the late Velma Marie and Lemuel McMurren, Sr. in Norfolk, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her brother, Lemuel McMurren, Jr.
She accepted Christ at a young age. She attended John T. West grade school and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, VA. She was a longtime resident of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Employed for over 30 years at Veterans Administration Hospital where she served in many positions, including as a phlebotomist and histology technician, our Mother was recognized as a superior employee. For many years, she worked a second job at Methodist Hospital so that her children had everything that they needed to thrive.
Mama devoted her life to and her greatest legacy are her children. She strongly believed that education is the key to success and she role modelled and instilled in her children the joyful passion of serving others. She was a vociferous advocate for her children and fixture at their schools and present at all their activities when they were growing up nurturing them to always excel to the best of their ability.
She dearly loved and was so proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. God blessed her great grandchild Kern IV to be born on her birthday: March 30, 2019, and Mama was present for his birth. She was full of great joy and happiness when the family gathered together in Dallas, Texas on September 14, 2019 for the wedding of her grandson Carlos II to Adia.
Mama was a virtuous woman who role modeled and instilled a strong work ethic in her three children. She taught her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that with hard work they could achieve anything they set their sights on.
She was a brilliant woman who closely followed all the current issues of the day. If politicians and world leaders listened to our Mother, this World would be a much better place. Her children stated: “Our Mother was a renaissance woman who spoke insightfully regarding any current event or issue. Before she passed, she recently shared: “Why does the color of our skin bother you?” responding to the issue of racism in our nation. “But her greatest legacy are her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.”
She was deeply loved by her extended family and friends, and is singing with the angels now.
Mama leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy three devoted Children: Vanita Maria Banks, Hawthorn Woods, IL; Avis Lenora Rash (Kern Henry Rash II), Yucaipa, CA, and Carlos Edwin Banks (Jamyce Curtis), Indianapolis, IN. Grandchildren: Karma Arlene Duffy (Marques); Kern H. Rash, III (Dina); Carlos Edwin Banks II (Adia); and Curtis Lemuel Banks. Great Grandchildren: Jonah Duffy, Cyrus Duffy, Genesis Lenora Duffy, and Kern H. Rash, IV. Cousin: Yvonne Harris (Fred) and a host of cousins, relatives and friends.
Jacqueline A.
c/o: Brenda Delaney, Controller
Central Indiana Community Foundation
615 N. Alabama Street, Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204
