Celebrating the Life of our Forever Lady Karen M. Banks

Karen Marrie Banks, affectionately known as “Kal”, was a beloved wife, mother, sister, cousin, First Lady, and friend. She transitioned on August 21, 2024, at the age of 66. She was born on October 5, 1957 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Clara Bell Combs and the late Charlie Lee Combs. Karen is the sixth of nine children and in her early teenage years, she found the Lord as her personal Savior under the leadership of Elder Robert L. Banks Sr and Johnie Mae Banks in Pahokee, FL. During her teenage years Karen met the love of her life, Robert L. Banks Jr. They married November 5, 1977 which would have made 47 years this year. From their union came three children, Jacarada, Robbie, and Felicia.
Karen attended Pahokee High School and was a four sport athlete. She was a force competitor in Softball, Track and Field, Basketball, and Cheerleading. She enjoyed family, cooking, shopping, fashion, traveling, and all sports. Karen loved her family dearly and loved caring for and nurturing them. She was known to be loving and always remembered the birthdays of her friends and family. Most of them were blessed with an annual birthday call and song. One of her special gifts were her ability to remember numbers and dates. When taking her notes for sermons, she’s affectionately known for always knowing exactly what time the sermon started and ended. She was also known for her witty sayings like: “I ain’t studying you”, “You better praise him while you’re able” and many more. Her joy was contagious! Karen never met a stranger and her ability to be warm to those she didn’t know is evident by the love she is receiving during this time.
Karen had a successful career as a school teacher for over 30 years. She has had the pleasure of teaching hundreds, if not thousands, of children in Pahokee and Canal Point, FL. As a educator, the way our children conducted themselves was important to her. She wouldn’t hesitate to protect and counsel children, especially when she knew their families. Karen believed in community and protecting our children from those who did not understand our culture and way of life. After retiring Karen opened her own home Child Care Center and continued her Ministry in caring for others. This led to inviting families to attend church with her and she became thier First Lady. Karen and Bishop R.L Banks Jr. started ministry in Indiantown, FL and was eventually was led to Okeechobee, FL where they have been planted with over 37 years in Ministry.
Karen loved music. You would often find her singing and smiling. She was a faithful member of the Bible Church of God Choir in Pahokee, FL. Her choir was well known in the Glades and surrounding area. Karen took pride in being apart of this church family as her talents ventured out to singing on the Praise & Worship Team when the Lord led her family to start a ministry in Indiatiown, FL. One of her favorite music memories was being a featured guest artist on “Alright” for the Worship To Live release.
Those who have had the pleasure of knowing Karen will all speak of how much she loved giving. Her unwaivering faith has spoken so loudly to all who has had an encounter with her. She loved to worship and would not be found in service without her tambourine or without a praise. One of Karen’s favorite things to do was to see that the needs of her family were taken care of. She was a servant. She not only cared for her immediate family, but she took great care of the house of God. She would make sure the the house of God was always presentable and clean. Many may not see the importance, but she believed that serving God’s people began behind closed doors.
Karen’s legacy of giving, love, and serving will continue through the lives she has touched. She loved her church. You could find her dancing with the kids at New Year's Eve Watch Night Service, rocking a fresh pair of Jordans, or stepping in a pair of red bottoms. She was youthful and full of life and loved the Lord with her whole heart.
Karen leaves to cherish her beautiful memories and life her husband Robert L. Banks Jr.; her children Jacarada Banks, Robbie Banks, Felicia Banks; her grandchildren Kiaza, Bryson, Dorion, Khristian, and Amir; her brothers: Billy Redden (Gale Redden) and Irvin Combs; her brother-in-law Thomas Richardson; her mother Clara Combs; her church family Bible Church of God; and a host of uncles, aunts, in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins, godchildren, and friends.
Karen will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family and community. Her presence, faith, kindness, and joy will remain with us forever. Her dedicationto the House of God and God’s people will be missed. We love you our forever First Lady, and we will always “Praise him while we’re able!”