Charles Banks
Charles J. Banks PORTSMOUTH - Charles J. "Lanky" Banks, 89, of the 200 block of Wynn St., died May 18, 2009, in his residence. He was a native of Garysburg, N.C., and was a teacher and coach in the Portsmouth public school system for 32 years, retiring in 1990. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the United States Army for five years. He was also a member of Zion Baptist Church in Portsmouth and was a member of the choir and the Men's Ministry. He received his Bachelor of Science in education at North Carolina Central University and his Master of Science in physical education from Fisk University. He was also a member of the Olympions Sports Club, National Athletic Association, National Education Association, Portsmouth Education Association, Master Mason Morning Star Lodge No. 3, Order of Easter Star, Past Patron Martha Chapter No. 10, Cavalier Manor Senior Citizens Club, Virginia High School Coaches Association and I.C. Norcom Alumni Association. Survivors include his wife, Wilhelmenia Smith Banks; one daughter, Vera R. Banks; one son, Charles C. Banks; one brother, Leroy Banks; one sister-in-law, Carol Crooms; five grandchildren, Christopher J. Banks, Joshua J. Banks, Lavonte Reed, Korona Reed and Darnesha Clark. Other survivors include three nieces, Pamela Jefferies (Freddy), Patricia Hunter Green (Bernard), Kim Crooms and three nephews, the Rev. Rodney Hunter, Sewart Hunter and Elder Courtney Crooms. He was predeceased in death by his parents, Mamie Sweat Banks and McKinley Banks and a sister, Geneva Banks Hunter. Coach Banks leaves behind a host of adopted sons and daughters MOST of which roamed the halls of I.C. Norcom High School, Home of the Mighty Greyhounds! A funeral will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Charles W. Beamon presiding. Burial will follow in Roosevelt Memorial Park in Chesapeake. Corprew Funeral Home is in charge.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on 5/21/2009