PAULETTE ELIZABETH BANKS

March 21, 1945 – April 9, 2026

Paulette Elizabeth Banks was born on March 21, 1945, to Horace and Lillian (Williams) Banks. The third of five children, she grew up in the North Camden and Parkside neighborhoods and was educated in the Camden City School System. A proud graduate of Camden High School, she excelled academically as an honor roll student and served as a member of the Color Guard.

Paulette earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University). After college, she joined the United States Air Force, serving as a Wing/Base Ground Training Officer and rising to the rank of Captain. During her service, she played on several women’s volleyball teams—including the U.S.A.F. All Star Team—as well as women’s softball teams. She later received her master’s degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Utah.

Her professional career was diverse and dedicated to service. Paulette held management roles with Bell of Pennsylvania, OIC’s of America, and the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Employment & Training. She concluded her career with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, where she investigated discrimination complaints involving employment, housing, public accommodations, and city services.

Paulette was a devoted member of Salem Baptist Church in Abington, PA. Singing in the Salem choirs was her greatest joy. She sang alto in the Inspirational Choir when it won the Kentucky Fried Chicken Gospelrama and also served as Choir Secretary. A disciplined and committed singer, she attended rehearsals faithfully despite health challenges. She was active in the Salem Adult Citizens and was known for her beautifully written memorial letters honoring church members. While living in New Jersey, she was an active member of Parkside United Methodist Church and sang in the choir there as well.

Family meant everything to Paulette. Though she had no children of her own, she poured love into her nieces, nephews, cousins, and siblings, often babysitting and staying closely connected. Despite living 40 minutes away, she frequently traveled to South Jersey to visit family. She cared for her grandmother during her battle with Alzheimer’s and supported her ailing aunts and uncles, giving their children much needed relief. As secretary of the Goings Family Reunion, she wrote and published the family newsletter and cookbook and created photo boards honoring loved ones. Her candied yams, fresh fruit salad, and peach cobbler were staples at family gatherings.

Paulette was funny, sharp, and full of life. She enjoyed family events, line dancing, cards, and parties. She worked hard, helped freely, and had a dry wit with little tolerance for foolishness. After receiving a devastating diagnosis in February, she fought bravely. On April 9, 2026, the Lord gently released her from her pain and called her home to glory. She leaves to cherish her memory brothers Elvy Banks and Aram Banks (Ramona), Horace Banks, Sr. (deceased) (Gloria) and one sister Michelle Banks-Spearman (William); nephews Ronald and Randy Banks, Aram Damani Banks (LaShonda), Ayana Mason (Aaron); Daniel and Michael Spearman, Nikki, Kellee, Ashley and Justin Banks.