Catherine Banks

Catherine Banks departed this earthly life and began eternal life on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 5:30am. She was lovingly surrounded by her family sweetly singing her favorite Gospel song” Total Praise”. Catherine was born August 21, 1937 in Freeport, Illinois to Oather Sr. and Ines (Williams) Taylor. She was the fourth of eight children.

Catherine graduated from Freeport High School in 1955 and went on to attend the Rockford School of Business. She briefly moved to Springfield, Illinois and found employment working for the State of Illinois. She returned to her hometown of Freeport and was eventually hired by the State of Illinois Department of Public Aid. She worked her way up from an entry level position all the way to Senior Administrator of Stephenson and Ogle Counties. She received numerous certificates and awards throughout her 38-year tenure. She retired in 1996 to enjoy more time with her family, especially her granddaughter, Jasmine.

Catherine married Roosevelt Banks February 25,1967. They welcomed their daughter, Bethanne the very next year. They resided in her hometown of Freeport for the duration of their marriage.

After Roosevelt’s passing in 2020, Catherine moved to Rockford to live with her daughter and granddaughter. She loved their church home, Pilgrim Baptist Church, and soon became a proud member. She was formerly an active and faithful member of St Paul Missionary Baptist Church.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Oather Sr. and Ines Taylor, her beloved husband, Roosevelt “Bo” Banks, sister Carolyn Maxine Edison, brother Carl Cecil Cain, and stepdaughter Sandra Kay Banks.

Catherine loved the Lord and loved people. She was genuine, giving, gracious, full of life, and touched many lives. In addition to daughter Bethanne and stepson Roosevelt “Crocket” Banks, Jr., she is survived by granddaughters Jasmine Holifield and Ashley Banks; great-granddaughter Aliyah Yokeley; Goddaughter and niece Holly Jones; Bonus grandson Amore Simpson; siblings Beverly Taylor, Oather Taylor, Jr., Russell (Frances) Taylor, David (Geri) Taylor, Herbert (Deborah) Taylor, Mary Burris, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Catherine will be dearly missed, but her love that she shared with us all will never be forgotten.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 am Saturday August 3, 2024, at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation 9:00 am until the time of service. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.