In Loving Memory of Dr. Mary Frances Banks-Stenson (August 10, 1935 – April 8, 2020)
“Loving…” “Well-Dressed…” “Impeccable Character…”
These are just a few words one could use to describe Dr. Mary Frances Banks-Stenson. She was an amazing woman that dared to dream big, and it was reflected throughout her life’s work. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out. She loved to tell jokes at times and was calm and serene at other times. She was a natural. She was brilliant, sophisticated, and well-educated. She was also unapologetic when she spoke up for what she believed. This phenomenal woman had not only been a preacher’s wife, mother, registered nurse /director, and teacher, but she was also a woman of wisdom.
She was blessed to have two wonderful parents, the late Herry and Cora Mae Baldwin Banks of Macon, Georgia, and they had seven children. Four preceded Mary in death (Lee, Harry, Joe, and Cora). She leaves Hubert Banks and Clara L. Banks-Chandler to cherish her memory.
Mary was the matriarch of the Banks family. She was married to the late Rev. Marshell Stenson for 54 years. They were blessed with four children, Mary,
Marshell, and Joel. Their son Timothy preceded her in death. She was also blessed with eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Judge Mary Scriven, of Tampa, FL, spoke of the love, and respect she and her brothers had for their mother at her graveside service.
Mary was dedicated to her profession, family, church, and friends. She had a special love for her brother Hubert. He could always make her laugh when no one else could.
When it came to education, Mary was committed to completing every goal that she had set. She was a 1953 honor roll graduate of Ballard-Hudson High School and had a record of perfect attendance, from elementary through high school.
Mary received her nursing degree from Grady Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Studies from Tift College in Forsyth, GA, and was the first African American to graduate from that college. Following that, she earned a Master of Education degree from Mercer University in Macon, and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Georgia in Athens.
She was the first African American instructor in the nursing school and Director of Education at the Medical Center of Central Georgia. She continued in her role of pioneering at the Medical Center of Central Georgia by implementing new initiatives such as the Employee Assistance Program and Diversity Program.
She also served the larger community as a member of the 6th District Nurses Association, Georgia Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International Inc., Honor Society of Nursing, the American Society of Training and Development, and the NAACP.
She had a reputation of being a tireless worker, compassionate leader, and caring teacher.
She retired from The Medical Center of Central Georgia, where she worked as a registered nurse and teacher. She also served there in a variety of roles for over 32 years. Although she was retired, she found it extremely important to renew her nursing license every year and she kept it renewed for over 50 years.
Mary was one of 15 women featured in the 2018 book, Standing on Their Shoulders: A Celebration of The Wisdom of African American Women (edited by Dr. Catherine Meeks and published by Clara L. Banks-Chandler).
Mary served with distinction as the first lady of St. Luke Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia for 46 years until her husband passed in 2013 and was a member there for over 51 years. She served as the director of Christian education and was a longtime teacher of the Ladies Bible Class. She also served on many committees.
Mary was known to be a woman of exceptional elegance, known affectionately for wearing stylish hats on every occasion. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, and also enjoyed spending time visiting the beach, cooking, shopping, knitting, reading, and sewing.
Mary was a woman of unshakeable faith and drew her strength from the Word of God. Her favorite scripture was Philippians 4:13…
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Sadly, on April 8, 2020, Mary perished in a house fire in Macon.
I want to take a moment to thank Coroner Leon Jones, Sharon Hutchings, and Star Perdue for your expressions of love and words of comfort during my family’s time of bereavement.
I want to thank Rev. Jarvis Adside, Rev. Timothy French, Rev. Henry C. Ficklin, Rev. I. Edwin Mack, and her childhood and lifelong friends, Mrs. Lettie Marcus Johnson, and Olivia McKay Williams. I want to thank you for your prayers and attentiveness, and the staff of Bentley and Sons Funeral Home for their professionalism and care towards our family as we mourned the loss of our precious sister. She was a child of God and a beacon of light that shined ever so brightly. Her legacy continues.
The memory of your love for family, and your beautiful smile will never fade.
Submitted by Clara L. Banks-Chandler (Edited by Johnnie Goolsby, author)
