Emma Elizabeth Banks

Emma Elizabeth Banks, age 88, passed away peacefully at home on February 8, 2026.

Emma was born April 8, 1937, in Richmond, Virginia, to Billy Mart Bowman and Zelma Lou Ketron Bowman. From the young age of nine, she began caring for elderly people in their homes, demonstrating the compassion, strength, and strong work ethic that would define her life.

On February 5, 1959, she married the love of her life, Lowell Thomas Banks. Together, they built a home centered on faith, hard work, and devotion to family. Their marriage was one of commitment and perseverance until his passing on March 26, 2002.

Emma is survived by her eight children: Ronnie Banks; Rhonda (Greg) Wellborn; Becky (Mike) Morton; Regina Bailey; Rick Banks; Russ (Kari) Banks; Robin (Richard) Grant; and Robert (Bonnie) Banks. She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, who will carry forward her legacy of love and resilience.

A long-time member of Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church, Emma's faith was the steady foundation of her life. She loved gospel music, especially "the Gaithers". Her favorite hymn was "In the Garden"-a song that beautifully reflected her gentle spirit and closeness to the Lord.

Emma had a remarkable gift in the kitchen. She could prepare a wholesome meal with next to nothing and was especially known for her homemade biscuits and gravy - simple food made extraordinary through love. Feeding her family was one of the many ways she expressed her care.

Her life was marked by perseverance, quiet strength, and unwavering love for her family. She held close the promise of Psalm 30:5: "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

A Celebration of Life will be held at Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church on March 14, 2026. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m., followed by the service at 4:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Ooltewah Adventist School, a ministry close to her heart. Contributions may be given at: http://oaksonline

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lowell Thomas Banks; her parents, Billy Mart Bowman and Zelma Lou Ketron Bowman; sister, Ellen Webb; and brother, Charlie Bowman.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.