Jessie L. Banks

Jessie L. Banks, 68, of Topeka, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at her home. She was born on May 9, 1941 in Higginsville, MO, the daughter of William and Lucy M. Morgan Smith. Jessie attended Washburn and Kaw Valley School of Nursing. She was employed as a RN for the Colmery O'Neil VA Medical Center for 29 ½ years before retiring in 1996. She then opened Homebound/Caring Hearts home health care agency for 13 years. Jessie was a member of the Army Reserve Medical Evac. in Topeka for 20 years. She was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include three children; Belinda J. Frierson, Anthony L. Banks, Lonnie G. Banks, Jr. all of Topeka, seven grandchildren; Caroline, Shinikki, Shanel, Crystal, Gabriella, Jessica, Trevor; three great-grandchildren, Remy, Sherelle and Neasia; two siblings, Arlene Prince and William Smith of California. Jessie was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers; Donald, Marvin, David and Butch Smith. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. Jessie will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.