Sarahree Banks

In Loving Memory of Mrs. Sarahree Banks

Mrs. Sarahree Banks departed this life and went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Riverview Jefferson Health Center in Detroit, Michigan, after a lengthy illness. She was 84 years old. She was born January 8, 1942, in Demopolis, Alabama, to Vive and Earl Marie Gaines.

Sarahree was a resident of Buena Vista Township in Saginaw, Michigan. After graduating from high school, she attended Delta College. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Odice Banks.

Sarahree was employed as a nursing assistant for more than 12 years at St. Mary's Hospital, serving in both the Nursery and Burn units. In 1978, she began her career with General Motors, where she worked faithfully until retiring in 1999. Sarahree was a strong, hardworking, and generous woman who never hesitated to feed anyone who came through her door. After retirement, Sarahree enjoyed taking trips to the casino with her family and friends, creating many cherished memories.

She was an exceptional grandmother who helped to raise Fred (Wendy) Henley, Thomas (Angel) Henley, Paris Thomas, Amber Thomas, and Perry Banks, her great-grandson, whom she loved and cared for as if they were her own children. She was also blessed with grandchildren Sarahree, BrookLynn, and Chris II, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Sarahree shared a special bond with her great-great-grandson, Ashone, who visited her several times each week. The love between them was unmistakable and brought great joy to her life.

She also leaves to cherish loving memories her children, Chris (Jennifer) Banks, Pamela (Dave) Henley, Felix Banks, and Sharie Banks-Thomas (Michael); Sharie was often known as her mother's shadow because wherever you saw one, you were sure to see the other. Their bond was one of love, friendship, and unwavering devotion. Sarahree will also be remembered by her sisters, Annie Smith, Rosie Parks, and Dora (Quincy) Bailey; special nieces, Mary Banks and Elaine Banks; her lifelong friend, Liz Cowan; extended family, other loving relatives, and friends.

Sarahree was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Odice Banks; her parents, Vive and Earl Marie Gaines; siblings, Vivian Mickens, Thomas Gaines, and Vive Gaines Jr.; granddaughter, Kashawndra Banks; and nephews, Anthony Smith, Thomas Gaines Jr., Duane Daniels, and Tremere Rogers; and her mother-in-law, Ella Banks.

Sarahree's legacy of faith, strength, generosity, and unconditional love will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she is now at peace and reunited with her beloved husband in the presence of the Lord.