Mrs. Arthurene "Ms. Artie" Banks

Mrs. Arthurene (McMillan) Banks was born on April 4, 1932 in Bullock County, Alabama to the proud parents of Mal L. and Martha W. (Kendrick) McMillan. She went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 2, 2020, exactly 13 years to the date that her husband, Hillard passed from our lives. She married Hillard Banks in 1954. One of the proudest moments in her life was preparing a meal for the late great Duke Ellington and his band at the First Congregational Church on South Jefferson Street. She has worked many jobs including Deluxe Dry Cleaners and Saginaw Valley College. She earned her Associate Degree from Delta College and then worked for the County Health Department for a number of years. At the age of 55 years, she opened “Arties Flowers & Gifts” which was Saginaw’s first black owned flower shop. She had a genuine love and concern for people, it was showcased through her blessed hands creating unique floral arrangements. In her tenure she shared her knowledge with many other florists. She was instrumental in grooming the business of “Erika’s Flowers” in Saginaw. Mrs. Banks was a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. She was a founding member and the first President of Unity in the Community Neighborhood Association. She was also a member of the Tri-City Links, Mid-Michigan Idle Wilders, The Wrecking Crew, The Alabama Reunion Club, a member of Eastern Star and she was a Lioness. She was an inspiration to many; always willing to help anyone, group or organization to improve the city or community. Artie leaves to cherish her memory her son, Benjamin Banks; step-daughter, Elaine Banks; seven grandchildren, Tracy Banks, Hassan (Rakia) Banks, Tyrell (CaMillia) Banks, Katrina (Josh) Dugan, Shana Moten, Jermaine and Robert Willis; 26 great-grandchildren; one brother, Willie Hal McMillan; four sisters-in-law; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends including special friend, Ernestine Ford. Other than her devoted husband, Hillard Banks, she was also preceded in death by her daughter, Melba J. Banks; parents, Mal and Martha McMillan; siblings, Doris Young, ReJohnnie Walton, Gladys McMillan-Cook, Tommacene Dowd, Frank F. McMillan, Danny G. McMillan and Mal McMillan, Jr. Family hour will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, 2615 Williamson Road, Saginaw, MI 48601 with the funeral service commencing at 12:00 p.m. Pastor Otis Washington, Host Pastor. Pastor Delwin Tatum, Sr. will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington Ave., Saginaw, MI 48601. Friends may call at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607 on Friday, March 6, 2020 from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. The family will greet friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Mrs. Arthurene "Ms. Artie" Banks

April 4, 1932 - March 2, 2020