BANKS, MAVIS GERTRUDE
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” 2 Tim. 4:7
On June 5, 2015, at Mountainside Lodge, Mavis Gertrude Banks (Wade) of Marysville, wife of the late Allen Sylvester Banks, went home to be with her Lord and Saviour. A woman of strong faith and a steadfast courage, she inspired those who were fortunate to call her Mom, Gram, aunt and friend. Born in Penniac on May 22, 1922, she was the daughter of Martha Mae Allen and Carl Edward Wade.
Mavis married young and during the war years started her family. She was a devoted wife and mother with many interests. She had a talent baking and decorating cakes. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoyed the fruits of her labour. Knitting was another of her talents and many friends and relatives were the recipients of sweaters, socks, hats and mittens, made with love from “Gram”. Mavis also loved flowers and digging in her flower garden was a pleasant pastime.
When Mavis became a widow at a young age, she exhibited to her family what it meant to work hard and exercise faith that God would provide. Her strength was an inspiration to her children and all those who knew her.
A born-again Christian, Mavis was a devoted, faithful member of Corbett Avenue Wesleyan Church for many years. She and her husband were charter members when it began as a Reformed Baptist Church in 1951. She served as a Sunday School teacher, member of the Women’s Missionary Society, board secretary, choir member and the cook in the Kids Korral Day Care.
She looked forward every year to renewing friendships and spending time at Beulah Camp meeting. One of the oldest consecutive-attending campers at Beulah, Mavis attended meetings from age 12 to her early 90’s. It was the highlight of her year.
“Her children arise and call her blessed.”
Mavis was loved and will be missed by her four surviving children, Dale Banks of Fredericton, Bonnie Merriam of Fredericton, Brenda Perry (Neville) of Woodstock, Carolee Flewelling (Terry) of Wilmore, Kentucky, as well as a daughter-in-law, Bernetta Banks of Miramichi. Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins will miss her hugs, smiles and words of encouragement.
Aside from her parents and husband, Mavis was predeceased by her infant daughter, Mavis Mae and oldest son, Allen Edward; her sister, Leona Stafford (Wade); and daughter-in-law, Marlene Banks (Jordon).
Mavis will be resting at Corbett Avenue Wesleyan Church, with visiting hours from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm on Tuesday, June 9, 2015. The Funeral Service, at the church, will be on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at 2pm with Rev. A.J. Plazier, Pastor Normand McDonald and Rev. Terry Flewelling officiating. Interment will be at Olivet Cemetery in Marysville.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, Gideon Memorial Bible Plan or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Mountainside Lodge in Island View for their excellent care of our mother. Your compassion and understanding has been appreciated so much.
Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com