Annie Louise Bankston

     Annie Louise Bankston was born on May 3,1932 in Cordele, Georgia, the fourth of seven children by the late Eugene and Elusis (Sis). At an early age, Annie accepted the Lord and worked faithfully as a member of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

     After graduating High School, Annie continued her education at Albany State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in education in 1954. She returned to Cordele and began teaching at Southview Elementary School. It was during this time that she met and fell in love with Willie H. Bankston and, after a brief courtship, the two were married at her home on February 23, 1962. She then relocated to Fort Walton Beach, Florida where she worked alongside her husband as faithful members of Gregg Chapel A.M.E church. Annie was also one of the first Black teachers in Okaloosa County. Annie continued her educational journey at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she graduated with honors in 1974, earning a master’s degree in education. Willie and Annie were married for 37 years and raised three boys, Dr. Willie Bankston, Kenneth Bankston, and Keith Bankston. Annie always wanted a daughter and was blessed with Holly, whom she raised faithfully as a part of the Gregg Chapel family.

     To know Annie was to love her. She had a warm and loving spirit that was heartfelt by everyone she encountered. Annie had a heart of gold, always giving and supportive of her immediate family, her Gregg Chapel Family, and her community. She has touched the lives of countless families with whom she taught throughout the years and her legacy will live on in our hearts and memories.

     After ninety-three years of faithful service, the Lord gave Annie her wings on July 16, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie H. Bankston, Jr.; her parents, Eugene and Elusis Harris; and siblings, Lovett Dowdell, Eugene Harris, Ottis Harris, James Harris, Herbert Harris, and Vivian Jones. She will truly be missed.

      Annie is survived by her three sons, Dr. Willie Bankston, Kenneth Bankston, and Keith Bankston; her daughter, Holly Harris; daughter-in-law, Stephanie Bankston; her grandchildren: Rai, Niya, Christian, Will, Jr., and Nicole; great grandchild, Nariya; and her in-law siblings, Curtis Bankston, Lois Chambers, and Robert Bankston; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

     In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent via Zelle or Cash app to 305-987-3812.

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