2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

On December 31, 2023, Ms. Shirley Banks entered the eternal rest with Christ. She was preceded in death by her mother; father; siblings; and son Daryl Snyder.  Shirley Banks was born on January 18, 1937, in Brooklyn, NY to Annie Taylor and Julius Alston. She received her formal education through the NYC public school system and graduated from Prospect Heights High School. She was a hard worker serving as a Nursing Assistant who retired after 30 years from Interfaith Medical System. Her pursuit in a life pleasing unto God led her to be a covenant member of International Prayer Warrior Church. Her devotion to God and worship of him led her to spend her lunch breaks praying for others. After retiring she relocated to Warrenton, NC where she attended Bible School, volunteered at the food pantry, and visited the elderly. Shirley loved elephants, watching her cowboy shows, and NY Undercover. Shirley enjoyed speaking with her ex-husband, Anthony Carter daily and they prayed together before bedtime. She enjoyed listening to gospel music, including "Take Me to The King by Tamela Mann" but "You Know My Name by Tasha Cobb Leonard" was her favorite. When she relocated in 2018 to Winston-Salem, NC she became a member of Life Changing Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Alice Mitchell

She leaves to cherish in her memory her children, Doreen Snyder, David Snyder, Karen Barnes, Teresa Williams (Calvin), and Raheen Banks; her grandchildren, Shaniqua (Darnell), Kiana, Raheen, Daniel, Daryl, Rahsha (Hattie), Taynay (Sean), Calvin, Jr. (Chinaza), Samuel, Shawanna, Shameek, Shakiesha (Jake), Shawndell, Ebony, Wise, Shaun, Zakiya (Micheal), Jamel, Sharlene, Jeffrey, Allah Rasheen (Joslyn), Tayasha, and William; in addition, she has great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.   Her trusted companions were her dogs, Frosty and Pepper.

Even though her health and Covid prevented her from attending she did not lose her zeal to pray for others and her worship of God. She will forever be missed on this side of heaven as she continues in her intercession before God for her family and friends.

A special thank you to her caretakers Vonn, Sherry, and Arlene .

Funeral services will be held at 11:30am Friday, January 12, 2024 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel.  Entombment will follow in Gardens of Memory, Walkertown, NC. The family visitation and public viewing will be held from 11:00am until 11:30am on Friday at the Chapel.