Louise J. Bankins

MARY ETHEL LOUISE JOHNSON BANKINS, affectionately known as “Ms. Louise,” was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 4, 1921. She was the firstborn of the late William (Will) Blaine Johnson and the late Ethel Benson Johnson. She was the eldest child and the sole survivor of four sisters, Carolyn Holmes, Eloise Sisco, Dorothy Williams, and Bernyce Johnson, all now deceased. The Lord called Ms. Louise home as she lay sleeping on Mother’s Day, Sunday evening, May 12, 2024. Ms. Louise’s journey of success began after she graduated from Frederick Douglass Senior High in 1938. Her determination led her to secure a job with the National Youth Association as a clerical worker while simultaneously pursuing her education at night school. Her hard work paid off when the Social Security Administration hired her in 1943, a significant achievement for a Black American woman at that time. On March 27, 1948, she married James (Edward) Bankins, Sr., of Baltimore City, who was born on July 27, 1921. He was a United States Army WWII veteran who received an Honorable Discharge. Edward and Louise met at a USO dance and fell in love, which led to a marriage of close to 55 years. Edward was a Bethlehem Steel worker and subsequently retired from Bethlehem Steel Plant. He passed away on February 25, 2003. They were blessed with seven children. Elva Bankins Baxter, the late James Edward Bankins, Jr., the late William Randolph, the late Barry Leo Bankins, Gregory Philip Bankins, Angela Maria Bankins, and Lisa Kathleen Bankins. Ms. Louise’s role as a mother was not just a title but a testament to her love and dedication. Her faith in God and her Catholic upbringing guided her in raising and educating most of her children at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church and School. Her love and care for her children were unwavering, making her a pillar of strength in their lives. As her children grew older and the need to raise a large family decreased, Ms. Louise returned to the Social Security Administration and retired in 1982 with over 25 years of dedicated service with the federal government. She was busy during the earlier years of her life when she was a stay-at-home mom and kept many children at her home while neighborhood mothers worked. A self-taught seamstress, Ms. Louise ironed, embroidered, and made clothing for many neighbors. Yet, she always made time for her children. Ms. Louise loved to be around people and volunteered for many organizations. She became a volunteer at St. Cecilia’s Church and School: • Youth Advisor at St. Cecilia’s PTA • Treasurer at St. Cecilia’s PTA • Secretary of the PTA Advisor to the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) • St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church Choir member • Ladies of Sodality Ms. Louise was a dedicated wife, mother, and community member, a woman of many talents and interests. Her hobbies included reading, dancing, socializing, singing, travel, poetry, and the theatre, which showcased her vibrant and multifaceted personality. She was a lover of life and always found a way to spread her joy of helping. Ms. Louise often wrote poetry about her family and ordinary daily occurrences. She learned to drive at 60 years old and sorrowfully gave up her driver’s license and the car when she was close to 90, without a single accident. She joined the Baltivox Toastmistress organization and, before that, took speaking classes at Baltimore Community College. Ms. Louise loved being a presenter when an opportunity presented itself. Once her children were grown, most of them no longer lived with her. She began to get involved with other activities. She joined the Forest Park Senior Center and participated in many activities there. It was here that she became a member of the Golden Rockettes. A group of elegant senior women who performed dance routines to popular music at various venues throughout Baltimore City. They captured the hearts of many people with their performances, showing the elderly and the young that getting old can be fun and glamorous. The Golden Rockettes performed at the Baltimore Orioles’ new ballpark opening and on local TV stations as well. Ms. Louise Bankins’ legacy lives on in the hearts of her three daughters, Elva Bankins Baxter (Dennis), Angela Bankins, and Lisa Bankins, and her son Gregory Philip Bankins (Robin); her daughter-in-law Dana Bankins, and grandsons Raynard Bankins, Barry Bankins Jr. (Sade), Philip Bankins (Lauren), Evan Bankins, Charles, DaCiaro, and Dontaine; great grand-daughters Rayla Bankins, Avianna Bankins; great grandson, Barry III, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. May her memory be a beacon of love and warmth forever etched in the tapestry of those who were fortunate to share in the richness of her life

Tributes

Louise J. Bankins

May 4, 1921 - May 12, 2024