Bishop Edward Banks

SANDUSKY—Bishop Edward Banks, 75, of Sandusky, was called by our all-knowing and all-wise God into his eternal rest, Thursday, June 9, 2016, in his residence.Bishop Edward Banks, the son of Superintendent L.K. Banks and Missionary Margaret Banks, was born Nov. 3, 1940, in Greenwood, Miss. He was the second of six children. Following in the footsteps of his father, Bishop Banks accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior in 1959. He was born and raised in the Church of God in Christ.He received his formal education in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a skillful and masterful mechanic, learning this trade at the tender age of nine, when he was employed at Nottingham. Bishop was later employed at House of Wills Funeral Home.Bishop Banks was an entrepreneur. He established several businesses including Banks Auto Body and Prince House of Soul Restaurant in Cleveland.He displayed a love for music. He was a skilled musician who mastered the organ, guitar and trumpet. He mentored many successful musicians, training them in the skill and in the importance of giving their gifts back to God. Bishop also sang with the Mississippi Blind Boys and The Seven Souls.Bishop Banks founded and was the pastor of several churches throughout the Port Clinton, Toledo, Cleveland, and Sandusky area. He labored in ministry with his partner in the gospel, Evangelist Beverly Banks. He was consecrated a bishop on Sept. 19, 1997. He installed Evangelist Beverly Banks as Pastor of Greater New Life Church on April 19, 2015.He was an extraordinary man of wisdom who spoke few words but with much volume. Bishop was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor, encourager, mediator, and a man of peace. He was God's man.His favorite sayings were: "Ain't nobody mad but the devil and we gone keep him mad!" "The Lord is blessing me right now!" "Right is gonna win out; wrong is gonna run out; for the truth will outlive a lie any day."Bishop Banks lived a full and productive life. In his spare time he enjoyed enhancing and repairing automobiles, cooking and serving up chicken, ribs, polish boys and more from the grill. More than anything Bishop enjoyed being surrounded by his family who loved and appreciated him dearly. Bishop loved the Lord.He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Pastor Beverly E. Banks; three sons, Edward "Buddy," Andre, Anthony (Mary); three daughters, Shannon, Shelley (Octum) and Cherise; a host of grandchildren with a special mention of those who assisted in his care, Shardae', Raven (Brock), Edward, Jasmine, Jade, Mariae, Mariah; a host of great-grandchildren including those who put a daily smile on his face, Royce, Kingston and Princeton; two sisters, Geneva and Linda; sisters-in-law, Mary, Sharon, Jacqueline (Robert) and Emily Patrice; spiritual daughters, Deborah Teel and Carolyn Johnson, Pastor Demetra Sanderfer, Cheryl Sargent, Attorney Janice Robinson, Sharon Smith, and Lavonda Brown; A host of friends with special mention of Bishop Clifton Jones and Chester Curry; The Greater New Life Family; and a host of nieces, nephews and relatives.Bishop Banks was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings; and one son.Friends may call from 5 p.m. Thursday, June 16, until memorial services at 7 p.m., at Greater New Life Church of God in Christ, 613 E. Adams St., Sandusky. Celebration of Life services will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 17, at Agape Love Ministries, 4013 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. Entombment will follow in Oakland Cemetery.Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is handling the arrangements. Condolences and gifts of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting toftfh.com.