Jennifer Banks

Jennifer Banks was the third child of Mrs. Annie B. and the late Mr. Wheeler Banks, born In Birmingham, Alabama.  She built fond childhood memories with her family in the Southside neighborhood.  She departed this life and entered into eternal peace on Sunday morning, June 5, 2016.  Jennifer made a promise to God that if He blessed her with a daughter, she would give her back to God.  He did.  Tiffanie D. Banks was born to Jennifer and she introduced her toddler to the Lord.  Jennifer continued her spiritual guidance until her last day on earth.  Through the journal writings she left behind, Jennifer will continue to train and inspire Tiffanie always. Jennifer received her primary and secondary education in the Birmingham City School system, graduating from Ullman High School in the class of 1966.   She attended Alabama A & M University in Normal, Alabama. Jennifer grew up in the church and gave her life to Christ as a young adult.  She was connected to the body of Christ through the local church, making a few membership changes over time as prompted by the Holy Spirit.  She most recently was a member of Living Stones Temple. Jennifer became an employee at The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry in 1978.  In her role as coordinator for community eye care, she impacted the lives of many of the students that matriculated through the school of optometry.  She inspired students to stay the course, relative to their studies.  In fact, many attribute their graduation from the program, in part, to Jennifer’s encouragement!  She retired in 2008, after 30 years of dedicated service.  She returned to UAB as a consultant in student affairs, serving as an interview coordinator, where she was instrumental in minority recruitment. Medical Mission trips were a passion for Jennifer and several of her friends and colleagues.   Through the local church, she participated in seven missions to destinations that included South America, Ghana, Liberia, and Jamaica.  She also participated in medical mission projects in many small towns in the Black Belt of Alabama. Jennifer had many passions in life!  She was a devout Blazer Booster who frequented the green and gold room to socialize with fellow fans before games and during half time!  She was a patron of the arts!  Jennifer enjoyed attending concerts and plays at Alys B. Stephens Center and watching her great nephews perform at Red Mountain Theatre.  She enjoyed travel, savvy shopping with her girlfriends, nieces and great nieces and spending time with friends and family, especially over a great meal!  Although she probably wouldn’t be cooking, when she prepared a meal, know that it would be served on fine china!  She was known for her great organizational skills and she leveraged her skills to entertain and plan parties and other events for and with others! The legacy of her life will be forever cherished by her mother, Mrs. Annie Bessie “Madea” Banks, daughter- Tiffanie, two sisters- Veronica Seymour and Linda Jackson, nieces and nephews- Nilesha Moore (Terry), Shauna Stewart (Fred III), Theodore Solomon, Jr. (Sherree), and Joel Jackson, great nieces and great nephews- Raven Smartt, Joshua and Isaac Moore, Taylor Falls, Jalia and Fred IV Stewart, Theodore Solomon, III and Kennedy and Mariah Jackson.  She leaves behind an Aunt Leslie Sims and a host of other family and friends to treasure her wonderful memory!