Wilhelmenia S. Banks

Wilhelmenia Smith Banks was born to the late Mary E. Ash and Earl Augustus Smith.

She was educated in Portsmouth Public Schools graduating from the one and only I. C. Norcom High School in 1939.

Wilhelmenia went on to attend Little State in Norfolk, VA where she continued her studies in the field of nursing. After leaving Little State Mena found a passion for catering which became her primary love and career path. She worked as a private caterer for a number of years prior to becoming a full time homemaker.

Mena as she was affectionately known to most had a desire to serve. She was a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Star, Martha Chapter, PHA, Adviser to the Youth Eastern Star, Independent Order of J.R. Giddings and Jollifee Union of Tents, I.C. Norcom Alumni, Girl Scouts of America where she served as a District Cookie Mom, member of the NAACP Portsmouth Chapter, and member of the Cavalier Manor Seniors Organization. Along with service to organizations Wilhelmenia assisted her late husband in helping young people in the community who were less fortunate with food, shelter, and financial support.

Wilhelmenia accepted the Lord at an early age and was a lifelong member of Zion Baptist Church. From the tender age of four years old until the passing of her beloved husband she served faithfully attending Sunday School and other youth programs. Through out her adult years she served with the Active Women of Zion (AWOZ) and the Homeless Outreach Center on Green Street.

Wilhelmenia is survived by her loving son, Charles C. Banks (Vera); two grandchildren, Christopher and Joshua Banks. Special grandchildren Latrice, Karona, Darneisha, Lavonte and Kevin. Special family members Ronald and Janice Smith, Sr. and adopted daughter Cheryl Roberts. A Host of special nieces and nephews Seward, Rodney, Pat (Bernard) from Virginia, Pam (Freddie) and Cortney from New York and Kim from California. A Host of adopted I.C. Norcom graduates whom she dearly loved!

She was pre-deceased by her beloved husband Charles J. Banks; two sisters, Doris Smith and Deloris Smith.

Viewing will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2018, from 12 Noon to 8 pm at Corprew Funeral Home.   A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 6, 2018, 11 am at Fourth Baptist Church, 726 South Street, Portsmouth, VA  23704.  Interment will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park, 1101 Campostella Road, Chesapeake, VA  23320.