Mrs. Nana B. Banks

May 18, 1928 - February 4, 2021

Mother Nana B. Banks, 92, of Peoria, IL transitioned from this life to her heavenly home at 7:29 pm on Wednesday, February 4, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving and devoted family. Nana was born on May 18, 1928 in Lexington, Mississippi to loving parents, John, Sr., and Lubirtha (Marshall) Sargent. She married the love of her life, James Buchanan Banks, Sr., on August 5, 1949 in Lexington, MS. Shortly after their marriage, James moved his family to Peoria, IL. James and Nana were married 58 years until his passing on September 21, 2007. Nana was the matriarch of her family. She loved the Lord. Nana and James raised their children in the church at New Morning Star M.B. Church where she faithfully served for many years as a member of the Choir, Calendar Tea, Mothers and Deaconess boards. Mother Nana had a great sense of humor. She loved cooking, raising her kids and loving up on her grandchildren. Mother Nana leaves to cherish her most precious memories her loving and devoted children, Edward “Chic” Banks, Erma “Jean” Banks, James “Butch” Banks, Jr., Gregory Banks, Dwayne (Demetra) Banks and Kenneth (Tamia) Banks all of Peoria, IL; one sister, Senora (George) Smith of Milwaukee, WI; 21 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is also preceded in death by her parents; siblings, James Mines, Lillie Davis, Herbert Mines, Mae Birtha Sargent and John Sargent, Jr. A celebration of Mother Nana’s life will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at New Morning Star M.B. Church with an hour visitation beginning at 10 am. Pastor Cleveland Thomas, Sr., will officiate. Nana will be laid to rest at Swan Lake Memory Gardens alongside her husband, James Banks, Sr. Online condolences may be made at simonsmortuary.com. The service will be live streamed on Simons Mortuary's Website or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Simons-Mortuary-232095303487150 promptly AT THE TIME OF THE SERVICE. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, social distancing and attendance limits will be observed. In accordance with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Funerals are limited to no more than 25% or less people at the church. To be consistent with recommendations from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral home directors have been instructed and should follow CDC guidelines on gatherings, including those directly related to funerals, visitations, or graveside services. Funerals are limited to no more than 25% of the decedent’s immediate family members. *In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we ask that everyone in attendance: wear a face mask and refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands (as hard as it is to see someone you care about and not touch them). *It is our responsibility as a Funeral Directors, to do everything we can to advise families in order to honor our beloved Families and to keep everyone as safe as possible. All others will be able to flow through prior to beginning of the service. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!