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2021 SESSION


HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 243
Celebrating the life of George Henry Banks.
 
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 1, 2021
 

WHEREAS, George Henry Banks, an esteemed civic leader, honorable veteran, and beloved member of the Norfolk community, died on December 26, 2020; and

WHEREAS, George Banks graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk and was educated at the former Norfolk State College, now Norfolk State University; and

WHEREAS, George Banks was a member of the United States Army, serving his country with courage and valor during the Korean War and for 19 years in the civil service; and

WHEREAS, George Banks, affectionately referred to by many as the “mayor of Berkley,” a neighborhood in Norfolk, was a tireless advocate for his community and helped to secure its safety and prosperity throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, as president of the Beacon Light Civic League, George Banks worked with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to establish one of the first housing projects to be operated by residents themselves and for their benefit; and

WHEREAS, as manager of the Beacon Light Community Housing Development Organization, George Banks oversaw 128 homes and ensured many families a respectable and affordable place to live; and

WHEREAS, an active and engaged member of his community, George Banks gave generously of his time and talents to various local organizations, including Norfolk Recreation, Parks and Open Space, the Southside Boys and Girls Club, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Station #8 in Berkley, the Horace C. Downing Branch of the Norfolk Public Library, and the Norfolk Branch of the NAACP; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his deep and abiding faith, George Banks enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at St. Mark United Church of Christ in Norfolk, where he was a lifetime member and longtime chair of the building fund; and

WHEREAS, preceded in death by his son Edwin, George Banks will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife, Delores; his daughter, Cheryl, and her family; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of George Henry Banks, a treasured civic leader whose unwavering kindness, generosity, and dedication to his community touched countless lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of George Henry Banks as an expression of the House of Delegates’ respect for his memory.