Aretha Banks-Smoot

Aretha Banks-Smoot, 74, resident of Chicago, Illinois died May 21, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois.  She was born July 11, 1945 in Bell City, Missouri to the late Rodgers and Virgie Lee Sims Banks, Sr.

Aretha gave her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized in 1957 under the leadership of the late Pastor C. H. Thomas of Pilgrim Rest # 2 Missionary Baptist Church in Bell City, Missouri.  After moving to Chicago, she united with Good News Community Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Katie Moon, where she served in many capacities.

She attended South Master School, Truman Elementary, Bell City High School and was a graduate of Scott County Central High School, class of 1963.

Aretha was united in marriage to Mack Smoot.  To this union three children were born: Donna, Darryl, and Orlando.

She found employment at a number of places including Zenith TV, Curtius Candy Company and Vapor Corp. from which she retired after 30 years.

She is survived by two sons, Daryl Keith and Orlando Terrell (Lawanda) , one daughter, Donna Juray (Jessie), six brothers, Melvin  Banks (Lillie), Donald Banks (Jean), Delbert  Banks (Rachel), Oscar Townsend, Larry Townsend (Ann) and Marvin Townsend, two sisters, Sarah Jones Woodson and Abigail Banks, 15 grandchildren, three great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Friends may call Saturday, June 6, 2020 from 1:00 P M. until 3:00 P.M. at New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Haywood City, Missouri with interment following in the J C Pullen Memorial Gardens in Bell City , Missouri.  The Williams Funeral Home of Sikeston, Missouri is in charge of local arrangements.

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we ask that all attendees honor our social distancing rules and wear a facial mask.