Rhonda Evette Banks

Our beloved,Rhonda E. Stevenson Banks,diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago, fought gracefully,baring her pain,and battle scars with a smile,and a courge that could only be compared to that of a warrior. A warrior who knew there was always hope until her chest lifted and fell one last time. Rhonda was a bold,strong woman who never wore her ailment as a burden,or affliction,but instead motivated to become that much more addicted to life. Being deep in faith,she had peace of body,mind, and soul,knowing only the latter would follow her into eternal life. She never shyed from work or pain,getting out of bed every morning,Rhonda enjoyed going to bed each night to her passions including quilting,reading,gardening,writing,tending to her Koi pond,and drinking her grapes.Rhonda was born in Edenton,North Carolina,July 5, 1957 to Fred and Carrie Stevenson. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University and received her Masters in Education. On December 10, 1979,Rhonda married her best friend,Marvin. She was a member of St. Paul's Baptist Church where she was baptized along with her son,Parker.Rhonda had an intoxicating laugh,that could be triggered by jokes of modest humor,leaving the teller in stitches as well,never allowing an awkward moment. Her smile was as sincere as the words she spoke. Rhonda truly loved her friends,staying up late sharing libation and late night calls with her sorority sister and best friend,Gwen Whiting;frequenting one of her favorite restaurants to chat with her"close friend" Pat West;and being visited frequently by her Henrico County Public Schools family.She was the keystone of her family,in the middle,providing constant stability during hugs,kisses,fusses or fights. Words like."yummy","goobers",and phrases like"c'mon people",were offerings of her incite. She could almost always be found with one of her"Banks boys" as she referred to her loving husband and son. Though she was a mom to one boy,her motherly affection was shared with the kids she taught and led as an Educational Specialist for Henrico County Public Schools. Her Life was full of purpose,and meaning,but she offered all of this love,care,comfort,and unfettered honesty,never making anyone she helped feel as if they owed her.Rhonda left behind a loving caring family...The love of her life for tewnty-nine years,husband Marvin Ray Bank,Jr.;son,Parker Allen Banks;mother,Carrie Batts Stevenson of Newport News,VA;sister,April Gail Stevenson of Newport News,VA.;mother-in-law,Evelyn Banks;two brothers-in-law,Leonard Banks(Harriet)and Armond Love(Jennifer);two uncles,Edward Stevenson of New York and William Taylor of Plymouth,NC;two aunts,Pauline Stevenson of Kannapolis,NC and Ruby Stevenson of Statesville,NC,a host of cousins,other relatives,friends,and AKA Sorority Sisters.

Tributes

Rhonda Evette Banks

July 5, 1957 - December 18, 2008