Tribute & Message From The Family
Lawrence Anthony (Tony) Banks was born in Chicago, IL on June 22, 1963 to Lawrence and Rosie (Smith) Banks. He was preceded in death by his father.
He attended St. James Catholic Elementary School and De LaSalle Institute High School in Chicago. Upon high school graduation, he briefly attended the University of Louisville, before leaving to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corp.
While in the Marines, Lawrence travelled to Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe, on numerous deployments over a 7-year period. During this time, he also became close friends with a fellow Marine, Patricia Daniels, who would later become his loving wife; and to this union, two children, T'Maya Chantel and Tia Nicole were born. Upon leaving the Marines, Lawrence and Patricia moved to the D.C. area, and made it their home.
Lawrence worked as an IT consultant, specializing in telecommunications for the Veteran's Administration for the past three years. He began his career in information technology by working for GTE and continued his career holding IT/telecommunication positions with various federal governmental agencies within the Washington, D.C. area.
From a young child to adulthood, Lawrence lived life by his own beat, and left an unforgettable impression with all who were fortunate enough to spend time with him. He compassionately loved his family and friends and made every effort to spend time and share special experiences with them. From his mischievous childhood endeavors leading to many reprimands from grandparents, to his advocacy for those not able to defend themselves, Lawrence always spoke what he believed and loyally stood up when he saw injustice or mistreatment of family and friends.
Lawrence also was a great talker, as his military and lifetime experiences provided him with first-hand knowledge on many topics. If he was grilling and smoking meat in his backyard, spending time at a family gathering, or talking with his co-workers, Lawrence could be heard giving advice and his detailed views on a variety of topics, from politics, travel, family life, computers, or life in-general. He was the ultimate "girl dad" and was very proud of the young women his daughters were becoming.
He leaves to cherish his loving memory, his wife of 35 years, Patricia; his daughters, T'Maya and Tia Banks; his mother, Rosie M. Banks; his sister, Vera (Louis) Burrell; his mother-in-law, Geraldine Dudley; his sister-in-law, Aaronita (Hersey) Wilkin; his nephews, Anthony Dudley and Byron Burrell; his niece, Natalie Burrell; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and friends.
Condolence & Memory Journal
Man I can’t believe this, I will never forget you buddy. I keep hoping one day I’ll wake up and this will be a bad dream.
Posted by
Melvin Daniels (Romie) - Family November 22, 2020
I really enjoyed getting to know Lawrence as he trained me to take over phone services for our agency. He had such a great personality that made him so easy to talk to. You will be greatly missed.
Posted by
Barry Wass - Fredericksburg, VA - coworker October 30, 2020
Lawrence will be missed greatly. He was a great man - very smart and talented. The most impressive thing to me, was that he was always willing to use his knowledge and experience to help others. Whether it was a technical issue at work, a word of advice or just providing honest feedback / observation...he was always looking out for his colleagues and friends. Of course, he was known to crack jokes - he was a funny guy! He would often laugh the loudest! Lawrence was truly someone who would light up the room. He was also the type of person to bring people together - a 'connector'. To his family: many prayers for you. Lawrence - Semper Fi Brother.
Posted by
Chris Pelitere - Leesburg, VA - Friend October 12, 2020
My heart is with the Banks family. Those of us in Chicago send love and prayers to this family.
Posted by
Ruby Dancy - Chicago, IL - Family Friend October 01, 2020
Miss you cousin
Posted by
David Smith - Detroit, MI - Family September 30, 2020
Lawrence Family- May God be with you all in this difficult time. Tony and I worked at US Courts for 7 years and we share unforgettable memories. He is a very sensitive, caring, funny person who is always happy to help. I still remember the first day I started working at US Courts and how he tried to make me feel I worked there for long time. When he enters in to a room, he changes the mood with his jokes and sense of humor. He was like a father to me and it's very hard to accept his loss and my heart is broken. May his soul in peace.
Nardos Demissie
Posted by
Nardos Demissie - Aldie, VA - Friend September 30, 2020
I will never forget my friend Lawrence Banks...Rest In Peace Tony.
Posted by
Ronald Kimber - Durham, NC - Friend September 30, 2020
To the family of Lawrence Tony Banks, I am so sorry for your loss. Tony and I were coworkers initially and become very good friends. In many ways he was the older brother I never had. When I think of Tony Proverbs 17:17 immediately comes to mind. Tony always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. I will miss his hearty laugh, his timely advice and keen insight on matters.
I will greatly miss Tony and I wish I had the time to tell him how much I really appreciated him and our friendship.
I pray that the God of all comfort, comforts you and your family during this time.
Posted by
Andre Mills - Frederick, MD - Friend September 30, 2020
Known Tony almost 20 years. Quite an impression he's had on me and my family. Sad to see him go. Rest In Peace Tony
Posted by
Jessica Bodkin - El Paso, TX - Friend September 30, 2020
Dear Family
So sorry to hear of the passing of Anthony. He was truly a loving soul, very resourceful and fun to be around. I truly enjoyed watching sporting events and gatherings with he and his parents at their home. He will truly be missed.
Posted by
Deborah Cummings - Flossmoor, IL - Family Friend September 30, 2020
Lawrence Family- May God be with you all in this difficult time. Tony and I worked at US Courts for 7 years and we share unforgettable memories. He is a very sensitive, caring, funny person who is always happy to help. I still remember the first day I started working at US Courts and how he tried to make me feel I worked there for long time. When he enters in to a room, he changes the mood with his jokes and sense of humor. He was like a father to me and it's very hard to accept his loss and my heart is broken. May his soul in peace.
Posted by
Nardos Demissie - Aldie, VA - coworker September 30, 2020
Lawrence Banks Family,
May the Lord be with you all at this time. Lawrence will truly be missed, his conversations when we worked together at Verizon and his bragging about his Ribs.
Rest in Peace Lawrence
Posted by
Constance Davis - Charles Town, WV - Coworker September 29, 2020
I had the privilege of serving on CUT'S Board of Directors with, Lawrence Banks! I leave my sincerest condolences to the family. Please know that God is!
William S. Rodney, Plainfield IL
Posted by
William Rodney - Plainfield, IL - Family Friend September 28, 2020
May God bless your family with comfort and peace.
Posted by
Adenike Oyewole - Mckinney, TX - Family Friend September 28, 2020
My contact to the family. God Is always with you. May you carry all of Anthony's wonderful memories in your heart where he will live everlasting. Such a wonderful spirit. God's Blessings.
Judith Mims
Glenwood, Illinois
Posted by
Judith Mims - Glenwood, IL - Friend September 28, 2020
Tony & I worked in the same team atUS Courts. Tony was a kind & outspokenperson,he has a good heart & always looking out for his friend at work & socially very friendly. I would say Tony is a kind person with a good heart,who would reach out to me when I am at a low point of my career to help me out any way he can. I missed your energetic & friendly company at work or over the phone. God Bless you & your family, rest in peace with the lord.
Paul Q Young
5616 willow Valley RD
Clifton, VA, Sept 28, 2020
Posted by
Paul Young - Clifton, VA - Coworker September 28, 2020
My Condolences to Rosie Banks and the entire Banks Family. You are in my heart and prayers.
Posted by
Carolyn Fair - Chicago, IL - Friend September 28, 2020
Lawrence, I am so sad and this is so hard to accept. I know that God has a plan and makes no mistakes but I'm surely going to miss my best friend. We've had a lot of great times over the years. Rest now my brother, know that you are loved and will never be forgotten. To the family please accept my condolences.
Posted by
Tammy Lester - Woodbridge, VA - Friend September 28, 2020
To Pat, the Girls and Family , I will truly miss my friend. I was the one to hire him at Contel/Verizon. We became really good friends. Me, Tony and Stephanie all hangout together from Word all the time. He Was very small when it came to IT/Telecommunications. I learned a lot from him. He was a really good person and he look out for his friends and family. I'm so sorry for y'all loss. You all have my deepest sympathy. If I can help put in any way, please let me know. Take care and God Bless.
Posted by
Judy Pressley Norfleet - Woodbridge, VA - Friend September 27, 2020
To Pat, the Girl's and family
Posted by
Judy Pressley Norfleet - Woodbridge, VA - Friend September 27, 2020
Thank you Tony for your beautiful friendship and great memories. You will always be a brother to me. God bless you and your family.
Posted by
Joe Elsisi - Chicago, IL - Friend September 27, 2020
My condolences to the family of Lawrence Anthony Banks, His legacy will live on forever. He will truly be missed
Posted by
Robert (Bobby) Buckner - Chicago, IL - Friend September 27, 2020
I would see Tony at our family events where he wold always be smiling and very polite. I truly admired your take charge personality. You will truly be missed!
Posted by
Vivian Daniels - Greenville, NC - Family September 27, 2020
Tony,Why is it so hard to believe that you are gone,I will miss you out of my life.We did so many things together it's just not fair, Who can I everyday now I miss you Brother. Peace
Posted by
Whitney W. Paul Jr. - Woodbridge, VA - Friend September 26, 2020
Tony has been a great Friend for 27 Year, I love him like a Brother, Got Bless He will be missed Greatly..
Posted by
Whitney W. Paul Jr. - Friend September 26, 2020
Vera & Mrs. Banks,
My prayers & thoughts are with you.
Posted by
Nina Burrell-Braxton - Richmond, VA - Family Friend September 25, 2020
Deepest sympathy to the family and may God continue to strengthen you and be with you continually.
Posted by
Hazel Wyche - Woodbridge, VA - Coworker September 25, 2020
