Charles Henry Banks

Charles Henry Banks was born on April 17, 1947, in Bourbon, Mississippi, to the union of the late Richard and Camie Banks.

He is preceded in death by his siblings: Lester Harper, Richard Banks Jr., Benard Banks, Camie L. Banks, and Gale Thrasher.

Charles attended Bourbon Elementary School and Breich High School in Leland, Mississippi.

In 1972, after moving to Chicago, he joined the Union Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Moore, where he dedicated his life to Christ.

Charles worked for several companies before joining Peoples Energy in 1970, where he served as a crew leader for 31 years until his retirement in 2001.

A strong supporter of Jesse Jackson and the Rainbow Push Coalition, Charles contributed to the organization and regularly attended services every Saturday until his health declined.

Charles had a true passion for life, known for his kindness, infectious laughter, and dry sense of humor. His generous spirit was ever-present, always willing to lend a hand to those in need. Charles deeply valued family, cherishing gatherings for barbecues, reunions, and traveling together. He enjoyed gardening in the community garden and was a devoted fan of his favorite sports teams: the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Bulls.

In the early morning of October 25, 2024, Charles passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.

Charles leaves to cherish his memory his two daughters, Charmaine Smith and Yolanda Banks; three grandchildren, Nasir Smith, Nala Smith, and Elisha Smith; two sisters, Fannie Livingston and Teresa Banks of Chicago, IL; four brothers, Wesley Banks of Las Vegas, NV, and Robert Banks, Eddie Banks, and Percy Banks, all of Chicago, IL; one sister-in-law, Margaret Harper of Belle Glade, FL; one god-sister, Charlene Cross; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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