Jessie (SHELTON) Banks

Jessie was born in Thomaston Alabama on April 26, 1935 from the parents of Lonnie and Amanda (Pinkie) Shelton. She had one sister and two brothers. Jessie was the third child born throughout her parents years of matrimony. Jessie accepted Christ and was Baptized at an early age. She was a member of New Sardis Primitive Baptist Church where she attended church regularly. Throughout years of many trials and tribulations Jessie stayed true to her faith and overcame many obstacles that stood in her way.

Jessie spent the early years of her life in Alabama before being sent to Cleveland, Ohio at the age of 12, during the Great Migration in 1948. Jessie traveled by train from Alabama with her older sister Jennie to live with her aunt and uncle; she was later joined by her mother and father. Throughout her teenage years, Jessie attended Audubon Junior High School. Jessie expressed the importance of education and took pride in receiving high marks in her classes. She loved school and was often found studying or curled up reading a book. Jessie’s favorite subjects were math and home economics. She attended John Hay High School, where she graduated and ended her high school education in 1953.

In 1953, Jessie married James (Rudy) Ruben Herrell, to that union they were blessed with two children, James Ruben Herrell Jr. and Jerome Raynard Herrell. In 1964, she married Ernest Wesly Banks, from this union brought another blessing, Ernest Wesly Banks Jr. Raising three boys to men was a struggle, but Jessie did it with grace and diligence. She loved, protected and cared for her family so much that she raised her first granddaughter, Tonya Herrell as her own.

Jessie worked for Rite Aid Corporation as a Retail Clerk in 1962 where she took pride in her work ethic. Jessie was punctual and she rarely called off. Rite Aid Corporation took notice and appreciated Jessie's hard work and soon promoted her to Cosmetics Manager. After 30 years of hard work and dedication, Jessie retired and began engaging in her favorite pastimes. One of her fondest enjoyments included visits to the casino. She also loved shopping, sewing, and cooking; Jessie was known for her home-made yeast rolls, fried chicken, mac & cheese, and cheesecake. Although Jessie had many enjoyments and responsibilities, she took most pleasure at being the best Mom and Grandmother!

Jessie loved her family selflessly and played a major role in raising her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she would assist with homework, walking children to school, participating in outdoor activities, and even babysat until her homegoing. It was clear that family was the most important part of her life. Jessie had an abundance of nieces, nephews, and cousins that she also loved and adored. Jessie was especially close to her sister Jennie, they ironically passed 12 years apart, on the same day.

She leaves to cherish her memories: Her sons: James (Sandra), Bedford Heights, Ohio. Jerome (Kim), Lithonia, Georgia, and Ernest (Annette), Twinsburg, Ohio. Daughter/Granddaughter Tonya Herrell, Warrensville Heights, Ohio. Her brother, Samuel Shelton. Her grandchildren: Tonya Herrell, Antonio Whitmore, Chaynae Price, Rayshawn Lambert, Ashley Cannady, Ernest Banks III, Jerome Herrell Jr., Myisha Herrell, Kori Pierce, James Herrell III, Myisha Sullins, Justin Herrell, Jazmine Herrell, Jenna Herrell, Kenasia Sullins, D’asia Cohen, Kalonnie Herrell, Ciauna Banks, Kyler Herrell, Tyler Herrell; Her great-grandchildren: Michael Russell Jr., Tanico Wilson, Chris Whitmore, Leslie Shirley, Logan Shirley, Damari Cannady, Dylan Lavette, Kassidy Herrell, Mya Price, Jayda Herrell, Jordan Herrell, Rashawn Lambert Jr., Nikya Lambert, Myrt price Jr., Jenesis Williams, Kyran Phillips, Bryce Laury Mason Cannady, Braelyn Laury, Kali Dawson, A’mya Whitmore, A’lanah Whitmore.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lonnie Shelton. Her mother, Amanda Shelton. Her brothers, Daniel and William Shelton. Her sister, Jennie Moore.

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