Feb. 7, 1912 – Feb. 9, 2012

NATCHEZ — Services for Sam Banks Sr., of Natchez, who died Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012, two days after his 100th birthday at Natchez Community Hospital, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church with the Rev. James Johnson officiating.

Burial will follow at the church cemetery under the direction of Bateaste Memorial Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church.

Mr. Banks was born Feb. 7, 1912, the son of Joe Banks and Susie Bailey. He was employed by Banks Barbeque Inn and was a member of Grove A.M.E. Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Schewedia; four children, Joe, Sam Jr., Elijah and Deloris M. Conner; and six siblings, Mary Jane, Emily Owens, Frank Jones, James Banks, Peter Banks Sr. and Isaac Jones Sr.

Survivors include three children, Estelle Gooden and husband, James, Henry Banks Sr., and Susie M. Banks; two special grandchildren, Larry D. and Kenneth T. Banks; one sister-in-law, Leona Pettis; one daughter-in-law, Hattie Banks; a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.