Elsie Rebecca Banks came into this world April 23, 1922 in Memphis, Tennessee to Martha Dorsey, of Greenville, Mississippi and George Nelson of Shaw, Mississippi. Elsie was the youngest and only girl born to the couple, who gave her two older brothers.

Following the tragic death of her father when she was only nine months old, Elsie was raised by her God-fearing mother, Martha Dorsey Nelson, who was a strong influence in her life. She was brought up in a loving Christian home. Early on she demonstrated an extraordinary talent for singing gospel music and playing piano by ear. She also was a playwright and an author. Anointed in the oratory arts, Elsie became a well-known actress and radio announcer. She also was a television commentator on Credo, a religious sign off program that aired each night on a local television network.

Elsie met and married Reverend Amos Harris Banks, Sr. of Deeson, Mississippi. To this union were born four children: Elsie Harriet, Sandra, Amos, Jr., and Oscar. These children blessed Elsie with nine Grandchildren and ten Great-Grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Elsie accomplished much. Late in life, she returned to college and obtained her bachelor’s degree in education. Defying all the ageist stereotypes, she began a career teaching elementary school children in Cleveland, Ohio. Elsie was a master teacher in religious education, and served for many years as an instructor in both the Baptist Training Union and the National Baptist Congress. A highly skilled administrator, Elsie served as secretary to Ralph Locher, former Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her Husband, Amos Harrison Banks, Sr.; Brothers George Nelson and Buford Nelson; Sons Amos and Oscar; Granddaughter Kianga ya Kweli Hill; Grandsons Amos Banks and Avery Richard Knight.

She leaves to mourn her passing Daughters Elsie Harriet and Sandra Jaribu Hill; Grandchildren Tengemana Hazina (Marcus), Maisha Lin, Dean Curtis, Domingo Key, Scott Ramon Seguro, Candace, Jammal (Luvenia) and Quinton (Jennie); Great-Grandchildren Sanaa Noelle, Mia Elyse, Zuri Hope, Miyahn Elsie, ViShay Maisha, Vada Wamwene, Jabari Sebastian, Joseph, Grayson Drew, Elijah, Alani, and Ezra and a host of loving relatives and friends who knew her well.