On October 8, 1933, in the historic city of Natchitoches, Louisiana, the Lord blessed the union of Louis Charles (L.C.) and Lee Etta Payton Sibley with a precious gift, their daughter, Willie Pearl. Known affectionately to all as “Sis” or “Sister” or “Aunt Sis”, she was the eldest sister and the fourth child of ten siblings. On her birth certificate, she was initially named Mariah. From the very beginning, she was a leader and a nurturer.
At an early age, Willie Pearl heard the voice of the Lord and answered His call. She gave her life to Christ and was baptized under the leadership of Reverend Garfield Cox at New Zion Baptist Church; laying a foundation of faith that would anchor her throughout her remarkable life.
A lifelong scholar and advocate for her community, Willie Pearl was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School in Beaumont, TX. She furthered her education by earning an undergraduate degree in Childhood Education from Huston – Tillotson College in Austin, TX. During her college years, she was a dedicated member of the Eastern Stars and a proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., committing herself to a life of service and sisterhood.
On July 11, 1954, she was united in holy matrimony to Leroy Banks, Sr. Of this union, six children were born. As a devoted wife, she supported her husband as he attended and graduated from Grambling University. Willie Pearl shaped young minds as an elementary school teacher in the Natchitoches Parish Schools and later served as a volunteer library aide in Lynwood, CA. Her passion for justice and civic duty led her to become a fervent voting rights advocate. She dedicated herself to registering new voters and working at the polls to ensure every voice was heard.
Willie Pearl was a woman of many talents, and immense strength. Her home was filled with the sweet aroma of her famous coconut cake, the sound of spirited card games of spades, and the thrill of her victories as a Jeopardy champion. She was known for her quick wit, her kind heart, and her love for children and her family. The Lord saw her through many trials. She was a survivor of domestic abuse, breast cancer, congestive heart failure, and numerous other ailments, which was a true testament to her faith and resilience.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Banks, Sr.; her beloved two sons, Leroy Banks, Jr. and Harold Banks, Sr.; her parents: Louis and Lee Etta Sibley; her siblings: William Joseph (Murlean) Sibley, Jessie (Leila Elmore) Sibley, Burrel (Nancy) Sibley, Estella (Ben) Law, Betty (Roy) Holden; and beloved in-laws Leila Sibley, Chester Colbert, Jimmy Mason, and Johnny Watson.
Left to cherish her precious memory and to continue her legacy of love and strength are her four devoted children: Michael Banks, Brenda Hall (Richard), Gerald Banks (Joann), and Sharon Anderson (Perry); nine grandchildren: Celeste Dykes, Jamaal Abegaz, Brittani Anderson, Brandon Anderson(Joleesia), Rani Banks, Simha Banks, Rohana Cruz (Raul), Harold Banks, Jr., and Devante Robinson; and three great-grandchildren: Ariel Dykes, Ebrahim and Joell Banks. She also leaves one brother, James Sibley; three sisters: Ora Mason, Lillie Watson, and Lee Etta “Pookie” Colbert; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who were all blessed to know and love her.
Willie Pearl’s journey on this side is complete. She fought the good fight, she kept the faith, and she has now received her crown of glory.
~Miller & Hill “The Funeral Directors”