Helen (Thomas) Bankston

‭

Helen Florine Thomas-Bankston

Helen was born June 23, 1932 to the late Henry and Addie Thomas in Wilmot, Arkansas.  She was the third child of thirteen children and first born daughter. 

She attended Wilmot Colored High School where she was an excellent student and dynamic basketball player.  After Helen graduated high school, she followed her mother’s footsteps and became a beautician, practicing successfully for eleven years.

During her sophomore year, she met the first and only love of her life, James Earl Bankston.  On May 25, 1950, James and Helen were married. Later that year, they moved to Lake Village, Arkansas.  The love that Helen and James shared brought forth four children; Larry (Janis), Gregory (Stephanye), LuJuana (Gordon), and Roslyn (Herb). 

Her Christian journey began at the age of twelve when she united with Shady Grove CME church in Wilmot, Arkansas.  At the age of twenty, Helen converted to Baptist and united with First Baptist Church by baptism in Lake Village, Arkansas.

In 1963, Helen and her family moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas.  James’ uncle, Earl Bankston, invited them to St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.  They united with St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Robert Dickerson, Sr., by Christian experience.  Helen attended AM&N college (UAPB) majoring in Elementary Education.  She received her degree May 30, 1966 with honors. Helen was hired as an elementary teacher in the Dollarway School District where she taught for twenty-three years.

During Helen’s sixty years as a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist, she wore several hats.  She taught arts and crafts for Vacation Bible School, member of the Inspirational Choir, Sunday School Secretary, Chairman of the Decoration Committee, member of Sunday School Class #15, member of Mission Circle #3  (formally Circle #9). She was also responsible for the creation of a very unique scrapbook covering the first ten years of the Inspirational Choir.

Due to health reasons she was not able to continue physically working at the church. She continued to do God’s will by being a reflection of I Corinthians 13. Love was the force behind all she did until the Lord said, “Well done thy good and faithful servant, well done.”

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Addie Thomas;  five brothers, Henry Thomas, Jr., Booker T. Thomas, Charles Thomas, James R. Thomas, William L. Thomas;  and two sisters, Betty G. Thomas, Ever B. Thomas-King. 

Helen leaves to cherish her memory, siblings: Everlean Jackson (Elton), J. C. Thomas (Jean), Rosetta Edwards, Genetta Jackson (Richard), and Fredrick Thomas (Carolyn); four children; Larry (Janis), Gregory (Stephanye), LuJuana (Gordon), and Roslyn (Herb); seven grandchildren, nineteen great -grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Obituary submitted by the family

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen (Thomas) Bankston, please visit our floral store.