Etta Lorraine Banks was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Regency Care of Arlington, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Mildred Atkins Banks & Abraham Banks, Jr.; aunts and uncles, Thelma Banks Powell, Earl Banks, and Leroy Banks; and great aunts who helped to raise her, Pearline Roy & Maria Royal.

Etta was born on July 7, 1955, and raised in Warwick County, now Newport News. She attended Newport News Public Schools including Carver High School and graduated from Ferguson High School. She continued her education at the College of Hampton Roads. Etta spent much of her career working as a manager at 16 Plus and the women's department of J. C. Penny's. Later, she worked at Home Instead Senior Nursing Care and enjoyed taking care of patients.

She was a member of First Baptist Church Morrison where she sang in the choir with many of her cousins growing up together at the old Morrison church on Warwick Boulevard. Etta was a quiet person but enjoyed shopping and decorating and was always willing to help others when they were in need. She loved to cook, especially her sweet potato pies.

She leaves to cherish her memories a loving sister, Sharon Denise Banks of District Heights, Maryland; a lifelong friend, Horace Chapman; a special cousin who helped to raise Etta, Gloria "Elaine" Taylor; and many caring cousins in the Banks, Royal, and Fox families who have always been considered close family.

Viewing and visitation with the family will be held on Friday, October 25th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 210 Harpersville Road, Newport News, VA 23601. The Homegoing Service will be held on Saturday, October 26th at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church Morrison, 12720 Patrick Henry Drive, Newport News, VA 23602, with a viewing from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.