Mrs. Evelyn G. Banks: A Mississippi Delta queen

JANS – “A Celebration of Life for Evelyn G. Banks” was held March 9, 2026, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Jackson, MS. Revs. William Boyles and Andy Andrews served as celebrants.

Late in the year 1927, on November 11th, in the Mississippi Delta town of Belzoni, Alice Gatewood gave birth to Evelyn, the youngest of three daughters.

Evelyn’s father, John Maxwell, was a white man during the Jim Crow era, when interracial relationships were not accepted by society. Their relationship existed within the quiet realities of that time, what some would later describe as “love after dark.”

John Maxwell was known to be a loving and caring father who remained committed to the education and well-being of his children.

From these beginnings, Evelyn’s life would grow into one defined by strength, faith, perseverance, and an enduring love for family.

During her early life, Evelyn’s faith was shaped by attending New Zion A.M.E. Church and being nurtured by her two older sisters, Maryalice and Odell. The three spent many happy hours making paper dolls, designing clothes, coloring each one, and creating stories for them.

They also enjoyed going to the “picture show,” where a dime bought admission and a nickel could buy ice cream or penny candy.

Evelyn’s family raised chickens, and each child had responsibilities. Their mother insisted that everyone perform chores: she would kill the chicken, Evelyn would pluck it, Odell would wash and clean it, and Maryalice would cut and try it. Evelyn often joked that there was no part of the chicken better than her favorite, the feet.

Evelyn attended McNair School, where she completed the tenth grade, the highest level available to African Americans in that area at the time. Schools did not have traditional summer breaks, but instead observed a “split session” during harvest season so children could help in the cotton fields. Evelyn sometimes joined her sisters picking cotton, earning a penny per pound.

She was also a talented seamstress, teaching herself pattern design, alterations, and garment construction, skills that remained with her throughout her life.

Educational opportunities for Black children, especially girls, were limited during that time.

Determined to continue their education, Evelyn’s oldest sister Maryalice left home at the age of sixteen to attend Tougaloo High School. A few years later, Odell followed Maryalice to Tougaloo as well, leaving Evelyn at home with their mother.

Maryalice worked hard and completed her studies, setting an example for her younger sisters.

Following the path her sisters had begun, Evelyn continued the tradition of pursuing education at Tougaloo. At the age of sixteen, she also left home and moved to Tougaloo to complete high school at Tougaloo College Preparatory School, where she lived with her sister Maryalice and her husband Howard “Sonnye” Moman.

While attending Tougaloo High School, Evelyn met, fell in love with, and married Earle Willard “Buster” Banks Jr. After graduating, they both attended West Virginia State College, a historically Black college known for its strong academic programs. Evelyn majored in art, while Earle studied in business. After graduating, they returned to Jackson, Mississippi, to begin their life together.

Earle joined the family funeral home business, Peoples Funeral Home, Inc., and Evelyn began her career as a schoolteacher in the Jackson Colored School District. In 1954, they welcomed their only child, Earle Stewart Banks.

Later, during a time when Black students could not earn advanced degrees in Mississippi, Evelyn pursued and completed a Master’s Degree in Art from the University of Iowa. She returned to Jackson and devoted her career to teaching art, traveling from school to school to share her love of creativity while encouraging young Black students to develop their artistic talents.

Evelyn joined the graduate chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she remained an active member for many years. She later joined the faculty at Jackson State University, where she finally had her own classroom and office. Evelyn continued teaching there until her retirement in 1979.

Evelyn and Earle attended Mt. Helm Baptist Church, the church of her father-in-law. Later, Earle joined the Roman Catholic Church, the church of his mother. Their differing traditions led to many thoughtful conversations about faith. When Earle once asked Evelyn what the difference was between the Catholic Church and the Episcopal Church, she simply replied, “They believe in divorce.” He never asked that question again!

After the death of her husband in 1974, Evelyn continued working and remained steadfast in her faith. She eventually became an active member of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church.

Evelyn and her sisters remained deeply devoted to one another and to their mother. As their mother grew older, they lovingly arranged for her to move from Belzoni to Jackson, where each daughter cared for her for four months at a time.

Evelyn loved entertaining, traveling, and spending time with her friends. She visited Greece, Italy, Asia, Egypt, and many places throughout the United States with her close friends.

In her later years, Evelyn lived with her granddaughter Kimberly, where she was surrounded by love and care. She treasured the time she spent with Kimberly, her husband David Michael, and their daughters Mikayla, Milani, and Marissa. The girls loved sleeping in the bed with their great-grandmother, affectionately calling it their “pajama party with Grandma.”

Evelyn was a loyal friend, a gifted artist, a skilled bridge player, a wonderful gardener, and someone who loved to cook and bake. She especially enjoyed baking during the holiday season, when she delighted family and friends with her famous cherry nut cake. She also made sure to bake a sweet potato pie for her great-grandson Charles whenever he came to Jackson. 

On Sunday, March 1st, Evelyn awoke feeling well and began her usual morning routine, enjoying breakfast, coffee, and the morning newspaper. Later that morning, she went to take her usual morning nap. When Kimberly checked on her, Evelyn had peacefully passed away in her sleep and entered eternal rest.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Rep. Earle Stewart Banks, Sr., grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Her son, Earle, has two close friends who were like brothers: Michael Matlock of Birmingham, Alabama, and Bruce Matlock of Slidell, Louisiana.