[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 132 (Thursday, October 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1853]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN MEMORY OF BETTY BANKS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 19, 2000

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of a beloved 
citizen of the Fourth Congressional District and a dear friend, the 
late Betty Jean Henderson Banks of Ivanhoe, Texas, who passed away 
earlier this year. Betty was a wonderful woman whose kindness and 
dedication to her family, friends, and community will be long 
remembered.
  Born in Louisiana to the late Lafayette Victor Henderson and Ida 
Butler Starke Henderson, Betty married James Walter Banks in 1938 in 
Bonham, Texas. Throughout her years in Bonham, Betty raised a family 
and worked tirelessly on behalf of her community. Betty was known by 
many for her work at the Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center in 
Bonham, where she worked in food service. She also was known throughout 
Bonham for her volunteer efforts on numerous causes, from making 
uniforms for the Missionettes (Girls Club) to helping find and fight 
for a liver transplant for a baby in need. Betty was an integral part 
of a women's prayer group that met monthly for a prayer breakfast at 
the First National Bank in Bonham, and she was a member of the First 
Pentecostal Church of God in Bonham.
  In the local paper, this was written about Betty by Mrs. Paul Keahey: 
``Over the years she stood up for truth and honesty at all levels of 
society and government and what she believed to be right.'' These 
sentiments were echoed by her many friends and fellow citizens who knew 
her and loved her.
  Betty is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, James V. ``Butch'' 
Banks and Carol of Baytown; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and 
Mike Stockton of Ravenna and Becky and Victor Santiago of West Haven, 
Conn.; and a brother, Robert H. Henderson of Colville, Wash. She is 
also survived by seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She 
was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Walter Banks, who 
passed away in 1996; a granddaughter, Amanda Stockton; brother, L. 
Victor Henderson, and a sister, Yvonne Henderson.
  Betty was an honest and loyal friend to many and a role model in her 
community. We will miss her--but her legacy will live on in the lives 
of all those whom she touched with her generosity and kindness. Mr. 
Speaker, as we adjourn today, may we do so in memory of this beloved 
citizen of Fannin County, Betty Banks.

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