1926-2026
Mary Alice Banks Lee was born October 7, 1926, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the youngest of five children born to the late Willie James Banks, Sr. and Corrie Marks Banks. Her parents reared her with a strong work ethic and taught her the importance of education.
She was preceded in death by all her siblings, Ethel Banks Willoughby, Warren G.H. Banks, Willie Banks, Jr. and Georgia Banks Bowling. She was also preceded in death by her niece, Carmen Willoughby.
Mary attended Missouri Street Elementary School and graduated from Merrill High School in 1945. After high school, she attended Cortez Peters Business College in Chicago, Illinois. She later returned to Pine Bluff and attended Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical, and Normal College (A.M & N.), now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She later pursued further studies at Ouachita Baptist University and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Following her college graduation, Mary began her lifelong career in education. Her first teaching position was in the public schools of Gould, Arkansas, where she diligently served for a short time before accepting a position with the Pine Bluff School District in 1953. She began her tenure in Pine Bluff at Indiana Street Elementary School, embarking on a distinguished career which lasted over 40 years.
Through patience, encouragement, high expectations, and unwavering belief, she inspired young minds to dream bigger and work harder. The seeds she planted through her dedication and compassion continue to flourish in the countless students whose lives she helped shape, leaving a legacy that extends far beyond the walls of the classroom.
She was a faithful servant of God and childhood member of Allen Temple AME Church. Later, she united with St. John AME Church, where she faithfully served her church family as a member of the Stewardess Board and the Anniversary Club. Her commitment to Christian
services, her love for worship, and her willingness to serve others reflected the strength of her faith and the values by which she lived. She found great joy in fellowship with her church family and in supporting the ministries of the church.
At 99 years of age, she was the oldest living member of her maternal family. Mary was a beloved matriarch whose life reflected faith, grace, perseverance, and a deep love for her family. Her stories, wisdom, and example will continue to inspire generations to come.
Her life spanned nearly a century of change. She lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, technological advancements, and the global COVID-19 pandemic, embracing each chapter of history with strength and resilience.
An excellent cook, Mary expressed her love through food. Her kitchen was often filled with the sweet and savory smells of recipes that became family traditions. Among the many favorites remembered by loved ones are her famous chocolate pie, homemade rolls, date nut loaf cake,
and party chicken, along with countless other dishes that brought family and friends together around the table. Her recipes nourished not only the body but also the soul, creating memories that will be treasured forever.
As a professional, Mary had been a member of the Pine Bluff Teachers Association and the Arkansas Teachers Association. In retirement, she met regularly with a group of retired teachers called the “Lunch Bunch”.
In addition to her career as an educator, she lovingly cared for the Bridges, Dickey, and long families, treating them as an extension of her own family. Her nurturing spirit, patience, and guidance left a lasting impact on their lives.
She took great joy in helping others and cheerfully opened her heart and home to those in need of encouragement. She treasured every gathering, every visit, and every opportunity to share stories, laughter, and love with those she held dear. Her family and friends always knew they would be greeted with a smile and a delicious meal.
She transitioned to her heavenly home on June 26, 2026. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that she lived a full and blessed life and has now entered her eternal home with the Lord.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her children, Rosemary Morris White, Alicia Gayle Morris of Pine Bluff; Harold “Harry” Lee, Jr. of Lewisville, Texas; her grandchildren, Brandon Keith Campbell of Richardson, Texas, and Khristian Lee, Kellen Lee, and Gabrielle “Gabby” Lee of Lewisville, Texas; great-grandchildren, Alexandria Campbell of Frisco, Texas, Braylan Campbell of McKinney, Texas, Kareem Campbell and Kylie Rose Campbell of Richardson, Texas; great-great grandchildren, Deron “DJ” Henry, Jr. of Frisco, Texas and Carter and Aurora Campbell of McKinney, Texas. In addition to her immediate family, she leaves behind a devoted circle of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and special friends who will forever treasure her legacy of faith, love, and generosity.
Funeral services will be 2:30PM Friday, July 3, 2026, at St. John A.M.E Church Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Visitation will be 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Thursday July 2, 2026, at Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Interment in Graceland Cemetery of Pine Bluff, Arkansas by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Obituary submitted by family.
