[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING KATHY BANKS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LYNN A. WESTMORELAND

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 17, 2009

  Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Kathy 
Banks, a great Georgian who died in October 2008 at the age of 66. A 
kind and warm-hearted woman, talented realtor and active Republican, 
Kathy was a delight to be around. Her death was a great loss to those 
who knew and loved her.
  Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Kathy was not a Georgia native; but 
after moving to Atlanta as a child, she adopted the state as home, 
staying in Georgia for the rest of her days.
  In 1960, Kathy met the love of her life. She and Lee Banks married in 
July 1961 and stayed together till death did them part 47 years, three 
kids and five grandkids later. Early in their marriage, the couple 
moved to Fairburn in south Fulton County. An old family friend there, 
Mr. Ed M. Green, immediately noticed Kathy's warmth and bright 
personality and told her that real estate was ``the business for her.'' 
Mr. Green went on to become Kathy's teacher, mentor, broker and dear 
friend in the business.
  In real estate, Kathy achieved great success. She developed close 
relationships with her clients, taking personal joy in helping buyers 
find their first homes, and her clients loved working with her as well. 
In her 36-plus years in real estate, Kathy sold more than 1,200 homes. 
Even during the recession of 1975, she had more than a million dollars 
in sales. A talented businesswoman, Kathy acquired every accreditation 
in the real estate industry as well as hundreds of awards. She won the 
President's Award on numerous occasions and was a lifetime member of 
the Million Dollar Club. Kathy's business interests and mine 
intertwined at times. In fact, soon after I began my own construction 
company, Kathy sold the first home that I built.
  Kathy was active in her community with dedicated political 
involvement. She was a lifelong Republican and shared her beliefs as a 
member of the Troup County Republican Women's Organization.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the House to join me in remembering and honoring 
the life of Kathy Loughney Banks, a loving wife and mother, a 
successful businesswoman, a great Georgian and a loyal friend.

                          ____________________