Gloria Dean (Simmons) Banks

“To everything there is a season, and to every purpose under the Heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die. 

A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted."

~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-2  

     Gloria Dean (Simmons) Banks, also known by many as “Dennie,”or “Lady,”and especially known by her grandchildren as “Granny Poo,” peacefully departed her earthly life for Heaven abode, on Saturday, August 22, 2020, in the privacy of her residence, after a brief illness.  One, whom was astoundingly loved by many, was surrounded by her loving husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, various nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends, at the time of her departure.  Oh, how wonderful one can be loved!

     Gloria started her earthly journey on July 15, 1939.  She was the eighth child born to the parentage of Morris Simmons and Dora Ingram Simmons, in Halifax County, North Carolina.  Along with her parents, Gloria also had seven siblings that preceded her in death - Orna Mae, Irvin, Mable, Genola, Ezell, Thomas and Anderson.  One grandson, Tenell, and one Great Grandson, Lembia, also preceded her in death.

      At an early age, Gloria met and married Melvin Atlas Banks, Sr., and to this union they lovingly raised six wonderful children.  Along with their children, they also raised an extended family member, Contessa Atkins, as their own.  Gloria and Melvin's marriage stemmed for over 59-Years.  Gloria was steadfast in striving to care for her family.  In her early years, she was a housewife and was proud to prepare delicious meals for her love ones.  Knowing that God was first in her life, Gloria joined the Rocky Mount Baptist Church, in Emporia, Virginia.  Having strong faith, Gloria also instilled in her children the importance of knowing and loving the Lord and would diligently prepare them for church services on numerous Sunday mornings. 

      As Gloria's journey continued, she decided to join the “paying” workforce.  Her various jobs included working at the Garment Factory, in Lawrenceville, Virginia, Southampton Textile Company and  Franklin Braid Company, both in Emporia, Virginia.  Gloria remained employed with the Franklin Braid Company for 30-years and successfully entered retirement in 2015.  After retirement, loved ones fondly remember her reading her books, watching her favorite westerns, making homemade, 3-layer chocolate and pineapple cakes, especially during the Christmas Holidays, and Gloria extremely enjoyed going fishing in her spare time.

      We'll miss you our Gloria, our “Dennie,” our “Lady,” our “Granny Poo!”  No more rain in the clouds.  Your sunshine has come, Your wings are on.  There is no more pain and no more suffering...just our Angel to fly around and watch over us - until we meet again.

      Gloria's precious memories will be forever cherished by her loving husband, Melvin, of the home, six wonderful children, Sandra Garrett (Daniel), of Emporia, Virginia, Rose Banks Simmons, of Richmond, Virginia, Thelma Banks, of Emporia, Virginia, Pamela Banks Smith, of Jarratt, Virginia, Melvin Banks, Jr., of Emporia, Virginia and Aretha Banks Ellsworth, of Richmond, Virginia; eighteen grandchildren (two special grandsons, Demilton Banks and Jamir Ellsworth); nineteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Carl Simmons (Joyce), of Richmond, Virginia and James Simmons (Emma), of Gaston, North Carolina; five sisters-in-law, Rose Ella Swann-Mamak (Kenny), Christine Cooke, Emma Banks, Ellen Gilliam and Paulette Banks; nine devoted God-daughters:  Margaret Adams, Marion Andrews, Beverly Brown, Linda Connor, Mary Ann Daniels, Laverne Goode-Lewis, Dora King, Sylvia Lee, Glenda Simmons and Melinda Young; one special great niece, Markeisha Simmons, one special nephew, Larry Simmons and a host of other special nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. Banks tribute wall to share memories, 

extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Mrs. Gloria Dean Simmons Banks.

We ask that you join us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

 "Diligent in Business; Fervent in Spirit." - Romans: 12:11

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gloria Dean (Simmons) Banks, please visit our floral store.