Helen Laverne Banks, age 86, died 1 September 2024 at her home in Franklin Parish, LA after a brief Illness. The daughter of John Leon Scott and Helen Jane Simons Scott, she graduated from Crowville High School in 1955.
She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Lisa Starnes, sons, Jay Banks and Jerry Banks, and daughter-in-law Rene Banks. Grandchildren Dr. Kathryn Starnes Orth (Simon), Sean Scott Starnes (Chelsie), Eric Joshua Banks (Ashley), Mallory Banks Williams (Jared), and Caleb Banks. Great Grandsons are Hayden Banks, Allister Starnes, Macon and Broc Williams. Her Pets are Coco and Sheba. Laverne was preceded in death by her spouse James Lamar (Buddy) Banks, her brother, John L. Scott, son-in-law John Starnes.
Laverne retired after 26 years from Louisiana State University Medical Center, Monroe, LA as Purchasing Director. She worked for American National Insurance Company for many years in Monroe and Alexandria. She was a member of Fish Bayou Baptist Church. She was a Past President of American Business Women's Association and the recipient of a Monroe Chamber of Commerce Woman of Year Award in 2006.
The celebration of her life service will be held at Fish Bayou Baptist Church, 604 LA 610 Winnsboro, LA 71295. Officiating will be pastors Richie Kelly and Kelly Clark. Internment of the ashes will be at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 451 LA 151 N Calhoun, LA 71225.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Mike Moore, Kelvin Scott, Sean Starnes, Josh Banks, Tim Lord, Brandon Lord, Cameran Scott, Sean Scott, Adam Fussell, and Ethan Fussell.
Laverne had a greeting card ministry that began by sending blank cards for military members who were deployed. She expanded it by sending cards to the elderly or ill about 20 years ago, sending 15-20 cards a month until May 2024. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, photography, crochet and quilting. Several years ago she donated 55 bears from her collection to Leo's Teddy Bear Foundation, a group that provides bears to police for children in distress.
Online registry/condolences at www.dennardfirstnational.com.

Fish Bayou Baptist Church

Fish Bayou Baptist Church

Roselawn Memorial Gardens