BANKS, ERNEST (AGE 71) OF UPPER MARLBORO, MD

Ernest Banks was born on December 28, 1943, in Columbus (Muscogee County) Georgia. Ernest was the son of the late Army Banks Sr. and Idella Banks, Columbus, Georgia. He was the eldest of three children. Ernest accepted the Lord as his savior at an early age and became a member of Peace Baptist Church, Columbus, Georgia. He attended Muscogee County public schools, graduating from Carver High School on June 7, 1963. He departed this life on Monday, February 23, 2015 at Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC after doctors were unsuccessful in controlling his rapid heartbeat. Ernest was born with sickle cell anemia which eventually affected other organs of his body. During the last week of his life, he suffered both a sickle cell crisis and arrhythmia.

During his high school years, Ernest helped financially support himself as a paper boy, restaurant cook and a laborer at Swift Textile Mill. Six days after graduating from high school, Ernest enlisted in the United States Army. Ernest was stationed at Ft. Carson, Colorado where the high altitude and colder weather triggered a sickle cell crisis; subsequently he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. After returning to Columbus, Georgia, he and his friend Mr. James Porter "Lucky" decided to seek employment in California where Lucky's sister lived. Without success, they left for the big city of Washington, DC where they both finally settled and started their careers.

When Ernest came to Washington, DC he initially held a laborer position at Woodward and Lothrop Department Store for a short time. After applying for Civil Service jobs, he began his federal career as a security guard at the Smithsonian Institute from 1968 to 1974. He transferred to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing from 1974 to 1979. Ernest completed 5 weeks of basic training of Police School in Glynco, Georgia on June 15, 1978. Not to be undone with upward mobility, he seeked employment at the Library of Congress where he retired as a police officer in 2002 completing 30 years of service and where he met his wife Delores.

Ernest was always known for being on time and never taking off from work unless it was necessary. Before he retired, he had over 2500 hours of sick leave. Ernest was an excellent husband and provider for his family. He was an uncomplicated man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He liked going to the NBC Health Fair and the annual Car Show at the Convention Center. If he saw something he liked, he would buy it no matter the price. He enjoyed buying items he liked from QVC and HSN, most times giving them away. Ernest never wanted to miss the lunch with fellow retired friends at the American Buffet. If his car wasn't working or in the shop he would borrow his wife. He always stayed in touch with his family and friends and would carry his camera to take pictures. Ernest was organized and neat – everything in order. He was always doing odd jobs in and around the house. His favorite place to look around (shop) was Home Depot. His wife would tell him "if Home Depot had it, so did he."

Ernest leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 16 years Delores, who stood by his side until he was called home; one step-daughter, Corri; four grandchildren, Justin, Devin, Ashley, Christian; one sister, Mrs. Wylene Winston; two nieces; Nicole, Kimberly, one nephew, Robert Winston, Jr; one great niece, Ava Winston, one great nephew, Gavin Chisley; 3 aunts; Mrs. Louise Collins (Columbus, Georgia), Mrs. Georgia Austin (Gary, Indiana), Mrs. Ludie B. Sanders (Gary, Indiana); one sister-in-law, Mrs. Gloria Dorsey (Ronald); and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

His viewing will be held from 10am until time of service 11am at Fort Foote Baptist Church,8310 Fort Foote Road, Fort Washington, MD on Friday, March 6, 2015. Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham.

Arrangements entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD 20640.