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It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt gratitude that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Mary E. Bankston, who left us peacefully on March 1, 2025, at the age of 93. Mary was born on June 20, 1933 in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Ernest Faust Sr. and Laura Lee Chavis.
It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt gratitude that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Mary E. Bankston, who left us peacefully on March 1, 2025, at the age of 93. Mary was born on June 20, 1933 in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Ernest Faust Sr. and Laura Lee Chavis.
Mary’s life was a reflection of love, kindness and resilience. She dedicated over 30 years of service as a nurse at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, IL and St. Mary Hospital in Knoxville, TN., where she eventually retired. Throughout her career, she poured her heart into caring for others, always putting her patients’ needs before her own. Her compassions extended beyond her work, as she was a constant source of strength and support for her family and friends.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, Ernest and Laura Faust, as well as her siblings: Ernest (Kathleen) Faust Jr., Billy (Connie) Foust, Charles (Mary Ellen-Still Living) Foust and Martha (William-Still Living) Johnson and her grandson, Michael Ripress, hold a special place in her memory, along with countless other family members who were touched by her loving spirit.
Mary’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her husband: Sammy Bankston, children: Deborah Johnson, Victor Jackson, and Dexter Jackson Sr. She was a cherished grandmother to Angela Hudson, Dexter Jackson Jr., Porsha Jackson, Sonya Wray and Cearah Jackson and a proud great-grandmother to 24 great-grandchildren as well as 16 great-great grandchildren.
Beloved nieces and nephews: Charlene Foust, C.E. Foust, Greg Foust, Michael Foust, Dennis Foust, Dobby Foust and Mandy Cross.
Her warmth and selflessness will never be forgotten, and her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her. A devoted matriarch, Mary was the heart of her family, offering wisdom, love and comfort in times of need. She will be greatly missed, but her love will forever live on in the lives of those she touched.
May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love and light she so generously gave.
The family will receive friends on Monday, March 10, 2025 at Jarnigan and Son Chapel, located at 2823 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, Knoxville, TN from 11:00am to 11:30am with a service to immediately follow. Interment will be held immediately after service at Sherwood Memorial Gardens.
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