Seneca Tyree Bankston, a devout follower of Christ and a man whose life resonated with creativity, passion, music, and a deep commitment to nurturing young minds, will be cherished, and loved forever. Seneca’s childhood was filled with family and love surrounded by his grandparents, Madie E. Bankston (deceased) Robert J. Williams Sr., Augustine Williams (deceased) parents Robert J. Williams Jr., Theresa A. Williams, brothers Robert J. Bankston (LaToya) and Torrey D. Bankston (deceased) and sister Cherenda L. Semple (Mark). As a child, Seneca was known to love several things, especially Kook-Aid, earning him the name “Sid the Kool-Aid Kid”. Seneca was always sensitive and attuned to the feelings of others, a protective and loving child from the beginning. He was a fierce protector of his older brother Torrey and younger sister Cherenda. As a toddler, he could often be found clinging to his mother’s leg showing her love and staying by her side.
His music journey began at the Cleveland School of the Arts, where he graduated in 1998. Majoring in art and leaving his mark as part of the legendary Mad Flow Click. As a teenager Seneca, “SenOne”, competed and won many rap battles and was known to put up burners (graffiti) across the city to make his name known. This early artistic expression foreshadowed a life rich in creativity and filled with music as a backdrop to his passion.
Seneca’s artistic talents extended beyond visual arts. He was a gifted music producer, founding The Royal Built Media Group and crafting a diverse collection of instrumental albums and singles, including the rap singles “The Press” and “Faithful.” His music, available on iTunes, Spotify, and Bandcamp, stands as a testament to his dedication, talent and skill.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Seneca dedicated his life to empowering youth. He believed in providing a safe and positive environment for young people to thrive. His career in youth services touched countless lives at organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Cleveland, Accel Schools, Performance Academies, and most recently, Scranton Road Ministries CDC, where he served as Director of Academic Programming. His passion for mentorship and community partnerships left an indelible mark on the Clark/Fulton area.
Seneca’s commitment to service extended to his faith. He was baptized at Open Door Missionary Baptist Church, and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age 18. He diligently pursued the truth of God’s word throughout his life. As a member of Living Stones Church of the CMA, he served faithfully on the Security team, embodying his protective nature. His strong faith was a source of strength and guidance, and he cherished his brotherhood within the Living Stones church community.
In 2012, Seneca’s life was enriched further when he met and fell in love with his best friend and the love of his life, Iteisha Lynell Jefferson. The two married on March 18, 2016. Together they shared a passion for Christ and a loving home with their adopted grey Pitbull Terrier,
Bailey Bankston, affectionately named by Seneca as “Bo-Bo Bailey”. Their love for one another and care for each other was an inspiration to many. Seneca and Iteisha enjoyed a life of laughter, inside jokes, and travel adventures. From bubble runs and helicopter rides to parasailing and cruising, their life together was sprinkled with amazing memories filled with love. Sharing their calling to education, together they opened TeaSpot Learning Center, in efforts to provide academic support to children in need.
Seneca’s interests were diverse and reflected his vibrant spirit. He enjoyed listening to old school music, exploring digital media, and creating art with acrylics, paint markers, and charcoal. He was a voracious reader, enjoyed weightlifting, and appreciated 70’s & 80’s classic films. Those closest to him knew his playful side, marked by his affectionate teasing and the special nicknames he bestowed upon his loved ones.
Seneca A.K.A. “The Kool-Aid Kid” was a connoisseur of delectable teas and sweet drinks. Graduating from red Kool-Aid to high end cold pressed juices from specialty grocery stores and homemade wellness juices from his sister. Seneca’s favorite meal was burgers and fries spanning from childhood memories of Friday night meals made by his mother. As an artist, Seneca was a serious Marvel Comics fan; a purist who only enjoyed Marvel films from the early 2000s, before all the fluff. Seneca was also a collector of comics and old school action figures, a hobby he shared with his beloved late brother Torrey D. Bankston.
Seneca leaves his most cherished memories with his beloved wife, Iteisha L. Bankston; his parents, Robert J. Williams Jr., Theresa A. Williams; his brother, Robert J. Bankston (LaToya); his sister, Cherenda L. Semple (Mark); his sisters-in-law, Kelli Banks, Terri Nichols (Bryan), and India Gerhold (Ryan); his nieces, Ameina Bankston and Kyndyll LeBlanc; his nephews, Justice Banks and Jaden Grow; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, godchildren, students, brothers in the faith, family, and friends. His legacy of love, passion for Christ, protection, creativity, and service will continue to inspire all who knew him.