Maxine F. Banks

Maxine Fearn Banks, of Mineola, died on July 16, 2011, after a long illness at the age of 83. She was raised in Kilgore by her parents, Nellie and Henry Fearn, and was a graduate of Kilgore Junior College with an Associate Degree in Business, a graduate of East Texas State University with a Bachelors Degree in Business, and a Master's in Social Work from University of Texas at Arlington. She is remembered for work as a social worker for the state of Texas where she championed the rights and protection of children.

Maxine was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, who always put her family first. She is remembered as a very kind and intelligent person. She was known for her love of genealogy and had written Ambrose Rowe, a Pioneer Family and The Banks Family Genealogy, published in the Wood County Texas Genealogical Society Bulletin. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution where she promoted historic preservation, education and patriotism.

Maxine is survived by her son, Bryan D. Banks Sr. and his wife Linda, their children Nicholas, Jasi and Bryan D. Banks Jr. and his wife Kera; her brother, Howard B. Fearn and sister-in-law Xerlene Alexander Hall; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Duke W. Banks who died Nov. 10, 2003, and her son, John S, Banks who died May 29, 2011.

Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 20, at Beaty Funeral Home chapel, Mineola.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Fearn, Jimmy Davis, Bryan D. Banks Jr., Mark Johnson, Kenny Alexander and Ricky Alexander. Honorary pallbearers are Leon Johnson III, Gary Johnson and Joe Fearn.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association or The Hospice of East Texas would be appreciated.