Mamie Bankston, 69
March 5, 1942 — Jan.16, 2012

Mamie Bankston, 69, of Lewis Drive, Niles, died at her home Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, following and extended illness.

She was born on March 5, 1942, in Fayette, Ala., to James L. and Lilly Mae (Wright) Brand.

Mamie was known for her incredible strength and loyalty to her family. She enjoyed playing bingo and volunteering as a driver for the senior citizens. She was a member of the Niles Fraternal Order Eagles 2094 and of the Niles Moose Lodge, and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 7581 in Wayland, Mich.

Mamie drove a forklift for Fapco Packaging in Buchanan. In the past she had worked for Simplicity Pattern in Niles, was a cook for Frankie’s Restaurant on Lake Street as well as for Mr. B’s restaurant in Niles.

Survivors include two sons, Clifton Wayne Bankston of Niles and Bobby Louis Bankston of Maiden, N.C.; daughter, Sandy (Don Billingsley) Giddings of Niles; grandchildren, Angie Davis, Delbert Jr. “J.R.,” Kristina, Lisa Jones, Janet Bankston and Shanna Bankston; great-grandchildren, Renea, Jonathon, Lillyana, Destiny, Aubree and one on the way; brothers, Rueben (Ruth) Brand of Panama City, Fla., and Willard Pendley of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; sisters, Martha (Archie) Fee of Niles and Ruth Arthurholtz of Culver, Ind.

Mamie was preceded in death by grandson, Markell; four brothers, Solomon, Rosual, Dempsey and David Pendley; and sister, Kathleen Brand.
Services for Mamie Bankston will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, with the Rev. Randy Pearman of Bethel Baptist Church officiating.

Interment will follow at a later date.

A dinner gathering will follow the service. The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Mamie Bankston may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.