Obituary of Pearl M. Banks

PEARL MAE BANKS

June 27, 1942- December 31, 2021

Pearl Banks, endearingly addressed as “Mama” by her family, was born in Batesburg, South Carolina on June 27, 1942, to her loving and devoted parents Laura and Gaster Banks Sr. After moving to Rochester, New York, she attended Rochester Equal Opportunity Center to become an LPN. A woman with immense pride, drive and dignity, Pearl paved the way for future nurses and medical professionals in her lineage.

She was the beloved mother of Shirley Cobbs; Lorraine Banks {Joseph Garrish}; Glenda Banks; Rita Bouie {David Bouie}; Fatamah Abdi {Hassen Abdi}; Omar Henderson {Leslie Frank}; and cherished grandmother of Michael Shawn Henderson; Sondra Banks; Ebony Banks; Shahamah McDonald; William Laurence Smith;  Benjamin Louis Smith; Michael Wallace, Jr.; Anthony Banks; James Ferraro II; Davina Bouie; Tiffany Garcia; Manisha Negash; Yusuf Abdi; Medina Abdi; Renata Jenkins; Renita Jenkins; Marquis Baggling; and Omar Henderson Jr. Pearl is also survived by her loving siblings’ Annie Lee Shahid, Monroe Banks, and Gaster Banks Jr. As well as many loving nieces, nephews, and great- grandchildren.

Predeceased by her parents Gaster Banks Sr. and Laura {Noble} Banks, as well as siblings Alberta Bussey, Johnny B. Banks and Willie Banks Sr.

Pearl was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, and friend, but most importantly, her family’s matriarch. With a loving heart and kind soul, she cared for her family and those who were lucky enough to be touched by her light. She was selfless in her actions and put her children, grandchildren, and friends first, before her own needs and wants.

Pearl shared her love for cooking, sewing, knitting, writing poems, drawing, and crafting with her family. Aside from her creative nature, she enjoyed seafood and outings to the casino with her friends and family. Pearl’s lively spirit and passion for those she loved, was infectious and made her the life of the party.

As we prepare to say “good-bye” to an angel, as Mama transitions to the next stage of her journey, we will continue to celebrate her life, her light, and her fight.

“Mama, on behalf of our entire family, we thank you for all of your love and support throughout our lives; our accomplishments, our joy, our disappointments and the storms we all have weathered through. It was you that was there to celebrate, wipe our tears, keep us grounded and humble, as well as remind us to love one another and forgive one another. Mama you will be missed dearly and remain in our hearts forever.”

Falvo Funeral Home

1395 N. Goodman Street Rochester, NY 14609

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Calling Hours ~ 9:30 a.m. ~ 11:00 a.m.

Private Family Service ~ 11:00 a.m. ~ 11:30 a.m.

Funeral Service ~ 11:30 a.m. ~ 12:30 p.m.

Riverside Cemetery

2650 Lake Avenue Rochester, NY 14612