Dorothy Mae Banks

Dorothy Mae Banks was born on March 7, 1954 in Dumas, Arkansas to the union of Oliver and Daisy Mae Caldwell Jordan, Sr. She grew up in a home filled with an abundance of love and laughter. Her mother later married Tommy Jefferson Johnson, Sr. and he loved, raised and cherished Dorothy as his own. Dorothy was a 1972 graduate of Hot Springs High School. She grew up to be a caring and nurturing young lady who loved children. At the age of 19 she met the handsome Johnny Banks and they were married on October 13, 1973. This union produced three children, Dwanna, Johnny and MeKesha. She was an advocate for education and instilled in her children the value of hard work. Her home was a place of love and welcome. Dorothy was a proud member of Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall in Caddo Valley and loved to learn of the teachings of Jehovah. She would witness where she could, when she could. She was an outstanding cook and was a no-non-sense woman. She enjoyed the simple things life offered and the nicer things, as well, from time to time. She loved music, and her favorite artist was Luther Vandross. She began a long-lasting career in childcare during the mid 80’s with Ione Bynum Childcare Center on Logan Street in Arkadelphia. Ione Bynum Childcare Center was the first African-American childcare provider in Arkadelphia. It was there that Dorothy honed her nurturing and caring skills. She remained there until Ione Bynum closed its doors. Realizing the need in continuing childcare for families throughout the city, in 1996 Dorothy opened Miss D’s Childcare. It was through the trusted bonds, established relationships and reputation that her dream came to pass. She was very proud of this accomplishment in her life and has provided childcare in the Arkadelphia community for over 30 years. She witnessed hundreds of children grow into successful and productive adults and has had the opportunity to provide childcare for their children. Her smile, hearty laugh and warm embrace will be missed, but never forgotten. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Laura Ann Johnson, Pearlie Mae Jordan and Pamela Jordan; and her brothers, Tommy Johnson, Jr., Johnny Jordan and Troy Jordan. She is survived by her husband, Johnny Banks; her children, Dwanna Banks of Little Rock, AR, Johnny (Vanessa) Banks of Alexander, AR and MeKesha Banks of Arkadelphia, AR; her grandchildren, Jazmen Banks, Allie Banks, Symeon Banks, Quinton Banks, Sariyah Banks, Kylee McCray, Bre’Ahna Perkins and Jaelyn Perkins; her sisters, Patricia (Charlie) Clark of Mitchellville, AR, and Vanessa Jordan of Dumas, AR; her brothers, Raymon Caldwell of Little Rock, AR and Oliver (Annie) Jordan, Jr., of Mitchellville, AR; a sister-in-law, Alice McCray of Arkadelphia; her best friend, Belinda Bailey of Arkadelphia; many nieces and nephews, two special nephews, Aaron (Michelle) McCray of Caddo Valley, AR and Marques McCray of Arkadelphia, AR; other relatives and many close friends. Funeral services will be held at the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall in Caddo Valley, Arkansas on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 11:00am with viewing one hour prior to services. Bro. Russell Walker will officiate. Burial will follow at the Helms Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Friday, February 20, 2015 from 2:00pm-7:00pm. The family will receive friends from 6-7pm.