Rena Mae (Hicks) Banks

Proverbs 139: 13 - 16, tells us that while God created us, He did so in our mother’s womb. Mothers are special. They create life and make sacrifices for their children everyday. A mother’s love for her own children is unconditional and never-ending.

On Monday, July 4, 1949, Rena Mae Hicks Banks, was born in Emporia, Virginia to the parentage of the late Benjamin Rook and Bettie Mae Hicks. Being reared in a Christian and God fearing environment, Rena accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, Emporia, Virginia, where she served faithfully until her demise. During her youth, she joined the Holy Majestics and was a member for over 30 years. As a vital part of Jerusalem, Rena was also a devout member of the Missionary Ministry, President of the Senior Choir, Praise & Worship Leader and she served on the Grace and Power Retirement Association. Early in Life, Rena was united in Holy Matrimony to Rufus Banks, Sr. For 25 years, she was gainfully employed with Georgia Pacific of Emporia, Virginia, until her retirement.

Rena enjoyed singing, talking, sharing jokes and spending quality time with her family. She never met a stranger. She was a people’s person and greeted everyone with a big smile. Most importantly, she was a child of God.

On Wednesday, September 13, 2023; while in the care of Chippenham Hospital, Richmond, Virginia, Rena answered God’s solemn call from earthly labor unto eternal reward. She is now reunited with her loving parents; her husband; her daughter, Lisa Mae Banks; her granddaughter, Jessica Banks; her brother, Richard Hicks and her sister, Mary Young.

Treasured memories and pure love and affection will forever remain in the hearts of: two daughters, Maxine Green and Melissa Banks both of Emporia, Virginia; two sons, Rufus Banks, Jr. (Ethel) of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina and Richard Odom of Gaston, North Carolina; a son-at-heart, Steave Clements; eleven grandchildren, Dexter Banks, Michael Banks, Markel Green, Timothy Banks, Caderos Banks, Stephon Clements, Steaven Clement Sr., Quinton Banks, Kar’Tasia Banks, Syriah Odom and Krystle Banks; twelve great-grandchildren, Ka’Miyah Banks, Jeniya Banks, Steaven Clements Jr., Drijae Powell, Dy’reon Powell, Diahme Powell, Deron Powell, Ka’Lisa Banks, Ka’londa Banks, Lauren Banks, Jahmir Walker and Amariyana Banks; two sisters, Hattie Vaughan (Larry) of Emporia, Virginia and Laura Rook Clayton (Marion Ivan) of Gaston, North Carolina; one brother, Leonard Moody of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina; four aunts, Pearline Rook, Argie Banks, Ollie Hicks and Dorothy Hicks all of Emporia, Virginia; five uncles, Howard Hicks, Hubert Hicks, Robert Hicks and John Hicks all of Emporia, Virginia and Waverly Hicks (Emma) of Mesa, Arizona; a longtime friend, Faye Lee; caregiver, Janice Simmons; a host of nieces, nephews, 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. Rena Mae Hicks 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 ENSURE DESIRED FLORAL SELECTIONS AND A TIMELY DELIVERY, 

 PLEASE PLACE ORDERS THE DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRST VIEWING OF DECEASED***

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