Mary A. Banks

Mary was born Mary Alice Welch on June 2, 1942, in Talladega, Alabama, to the union of Cleveland and Gertrude Welch. Mary was preceded in death by both parents, two sisters, Betty JoAnne McKenzie, and Beverly Welch, and three brothers, Harvey, Billy, and Lee Welch. Mary leaves her legacy to her four adult children, Micheal Higgins, Charles Higgins, Adrienne Kelley, and Edwin McMillan. Six grandchildren, Shane Higgins, Kameisha "Nicole" Sage, Cierra Higgins, Sirrka Sharp, Alexia Kelley, and Armando Kelley. Other grieving relatives include her brother Robert Welch (Argie), Barbra McClain, Dorothy Thomas (Juan), Stanley Welch, Walter Welch, Brenda Calhoun, Valerie Austin, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. When Mary was a teenager in Talladega, Alabama, she was active during her high school years. She participated in cheerleading and was well-known for her speed in track events. Among her family and close friends, she was affectionately called "Dimples," a nickname that always brought a smile to her face. During her union with her first husband, Melvin Higgins, the two had three children, Mike, Charles, and Adrienne. Several years after the dissolution of this union, Mary met Edward McMillan, the love of her life of 27 years. Soon after this union, the two moved their family from New Jersey to California. While in California, their son, Edwin was born. She imparted wonderful words of wisdom to each of her children and loved them unconditionally. One of her favorite mantras was, "Let Go and Let God", long before it became a song. Her love was the bond that unified her family throughout the years. Mary and her family relocated to Kansas City, MO in 1974. She worked as a dietitian and supervisor in food service at North Kansas City Hospital for nearly 25 years. Mary was highly regarded by the entire hospital staff for her exceptional work and genuine personality. It was during her time here that she developed keen leadership abilities, which led to many of her life's accomplishments. During the early 1980s, Mary became a member of the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. From the very beginning, she was actively involved in various church activities. Mary served on the finance committee and was a member of the Women of Wisdom (W.O.W.) praise dance ministry. In addition, she faithfully served as an usher for a remarkable period of 40 years. James Banks, who later became her husband, also ushered alongside her. Mary went on to become the president of the Sunshine District Ushers and was an instructor for the Union District. Furthermore, she served as an usher's instructor at the National Baptist Convention of America. Mary became an active member of the Amicae in 1984, which is an auxiliary of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She was involved with the Amicae locally, as secretary, vice president, and president. She was also treasurer on the regional level. Mary was a natural beauty and carried herself with dignity, strength, kindness, and grace. Her life embodied the "Fruit of the Spirit." Her unwavering faith kept her grounded in Christ to tackle many of life's challenges. Mary had a great sense of style, and a wonderful sense of humor, and loved to have fun. She enjoyed many activities such as reading, bowling, traveling, and spending time with family and friends but most of all she loved to dance. Her greatest sense of passion was her love for Christ and her family Funeral Services will be held Friday, April 5, 2024. Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church 2310 E. Linwood Blvd. , Kansas City, Missouri, Visitation: 10:00-11:00 AM , with Funeral Service 11:00 AM. Professional Services entrusted to the ELITE Funeral Chapel 11525 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri. Malcolm Morris, Funeral Director