Mrs. Mary Lou Banks

Mrs. Mary Lou Banks, who passed at the age of 97, born on July 4, 1921 passed peacefully on November 13, 2018 after enduring serious illnesses and immobility for several years. A long-time resident of Anchorage, Alaska and later Wasilla, Alaska; born in Darlington, South Carolina and grew up spending time in Darlington and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Mary graduated valedictorian from high school at the age of 15 in 1936 and received an A.B. degree from college at 18, shortly thereafter an undergraduate degree from Allen University in 1940, followed by a Masters of Education degree from Temple University and completed several hours toward a Doctorate in Education. Also, a licensed Marriage, Family and Child Counselor.

Mrs. Banks was a dedicated educator throughout her entire professional career, teaching at all levels of the school system — elementary through college. She was also active socially and politically throughout her life; a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a personal friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mary Lou Banks lived a long and productive life and her contributions through working with students and adults will live on for several generations.

Mary Lou was proceeded in death by her mother, father, and beloved god-mother and husband — Margaret Holmes, Ed Holloway, Ida M. Rogers and Hugh C. Banks respectively.

She is survived by a god-son and great god-son – COL (Ret.) Michael E. Freeman [Angela] and Michael E. Freeman II.