Ms. Elizabeth Banks

Let not your hears be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1 Ms. Elizabeth “Betty” Banks was born on October 10, 1940 at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Esmer and Ruth. The second of six children, and only girl, Betty was the center of the family’s joy! At an early age, Betty attended Capitol View Baptist Church, where she was baptized. Betty graduated from Spingarn High school in Washington D.C. where she was a star basketball player. She went on to attend Howard University. Always a poised and professional woman, Betty met and married the late Ronald Little, Sr. To this union were born two sons, Ronald Little, Jr., and Terry Little. Later in life, she married the late William (Bill) Banks. While motherhood was always her top priority, Betty was an exceptional businesswoman. Starting with C& P Phone Company, and then transitioning to AT&T, Betty held high office positions thrusting her into her professional corporate career. At the top of her game, Betty held the Office of Director position with AT&T and MWBE (Minority and Women Business Enterprise). Increasing the percentage of contracts given to MWBE to almost 15%. Betty also worked for Waste Management, where she continued to push business leaders toward a larger minority inclusion. Throughout her professional career she was an advocate for minorities. Betty held several board positions across multiple organizations where she fought to better companies and conditions for minority employees and leaders. Over her 40 year professional career, she received many accolades and award acknowledgements. One award she received featured her in Black enterprise Magazine and named her one of the Top 25 Most Influential Minority Business Women! Her professional career allotted her the opportunity to be a world traveler. Having lived on both United States coasts, including traveling abroad. Betty retired while residing in Houston, TX and later moved to the Atlanta area. Betty enjoyed many interests including traveling, golf, tennis, skiing and basketball. She was an avid Washington Redskins fan! Betty also enjoyed cooking. She especially loved baking and was known for her Christmas cookies, Russian Tea and her famous Tunnel of Fudge Cake. Betty loved spending time with her sons and brothers. She really enjoyed time with her granddaughter and great-grandchildren along with her nieces and nephews. She loved to impart her professional wisdom and life experiences with the next generation. Betty passed away on September 12, 2017 at Park Springs Retirement Community surrounded by her sons, and family. She leaves to cherish her memory, her two sons, Ronald Little, Jr., & Terry Little; granddaughter, Akia Carr; great grandchildren, Asyah, Amaya and Arie; five brothers, Esmer Jr., (Billy) Durham, The late Timothy Durham (Pat), Carlton Durham (Scarlett), Franklin Durham (Debbie), and Furman Durham (Cheryl); one Aunt, Mildred Pittman, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral Saturday, September 23, 2017, 11am in our chapel. Visitation Saturday, September 23, 2017 10am-11am

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Ms. Elizabeth Banks

October 10, 1940 - September 12, 2017