Betty Vernetta Banks

The following obituary was written by the family of Betty Banks.

Betty Vernetta Banks, of Columbus Indiana, passed away on July 21, 2026, peacefully at her home. Betty was born to the late Cato H and Bernice R Davis on January 23, 1938, in Marianna, Arkansas. Betty was the oldest of four children, Cato Jr, Donald, and Valerie.

Betty graduated from Hammond Tech High School in Hammond, Indiana. She was a CNA caregiver for 20+ years, and provided care for her mother, Bernice until she passed away. Betty also worked for the City of Hammond School Transportation for several years. Betty married David Lee Banks in 1957, and they had a son together, David Wayne Banks.  Betty also had a second son, Junius Stallings. Betty was a lifetime member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, for over 50 years. She relocated to Columbus, Indiana in 2007 where she became a member and served as an usher at Second Baptist Church. Betty enjoyed playing games and laughing with family and friends.

Betty is survived by her two sons David Banks and Junius Stallings, three grandchildren: Tori Banks, Corey Banks and Jory (Nekesha) Banks and her beloved great grandchildren Samaya Ivory, KaSaun Landers, Xavion Saddler, Savion Miles, Kelon Foster, Drevon Martin, Jaysic Banks, Aniyah Banks, Cyntoria Banks, Coreya Banks, Darris Larkin Jr, Isaiah Larkin, Maddyx Banks, Casey Banks and Caylee Banks; and great-great granddaughter, Xolani Saddler Sanchez. Her siblings: Donald Davis, Valerie (Raymond) Buckner. Nephews, Tyrone (Shana) Buckner, Kenneth Buckner, niece, Angela Davis. And a host of other family and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents Cato and Bernice Davis, her brother Cato Davis Jr and great granddaughter Norah Owens.

The Funeral service will be conducted at Calvary Community Church, 1031 Chestnut Street, on Friday, July 31st. The viewing will be from 11am to 1pm, and the service will begin at 1pm.

Pallbearers

Xavion Saddler, Jaysic Banks, Savion Miles, Drevon Martin, KaSaun Landers, Kelon Foster

Flower Pallbearers

Tori Banks, Nekesha Banks, Cyntoria Banks, Coreya Banks, Carolyn Williams, Samaya Ivory

Honorary Pallbearers

Corey Banks, Jory Banks, Tyrone Buckner, Kenneth Buckner, Raymond Buckner, Darris Larkin Jr., Isaiah Larkin, Jason Cobb

Acknowledgement

The family extends their heartfelt thanks for all the flowers, cards, prayers, and expressions of love during this time.

~ The family of Betty Vernetta Banks

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

~ Revelation 21:4

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.”

~ 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Final arrangements entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory.