Rosie Johnson Banks

Rosie Johnson Banks was born July 29, 1951, to the union of the late Deacon John Palmer and Mother Helen Stokes in Chicago, IL. She was the fourth child of ten. Rosie attended Heffon Elementary School, and then, she went on to Marshall High School. Rosie was baptized at an early age at the Freewill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Lee Howard Ivy. In 1966, Rosie married Conandus Johnson, Sr., to this union, three sons were born: Conandus, Jr., Alfonso, and Palmer. Family was Rosie’s priority as she loved getting her family together playing spades and then traveling to the casino. She was “Mama Rosie” to all her nieces and nephews. Rosie had such a passion for caring for others that she worked for over 30 years in the nursing field in different states until she retired. Upon Rosie’s return to Chicago, she united with the Jesus Christ MB church under the leadership of the late Dr. Archie Matlock, Sr. She was ordained a deaconess/missionary under his leadership and remained faithful to her calling until her death. Missionary Rosie was a choir member, worked with the pastor’s aide committee along with being the vice president of the missionary department. In 1998, Rosie was united in holy matrimony to Deacon Emile Banks, who preceded her in death. Together, they enjoyed 21 years of marital bliss. Missionary Rosie was always devoted to helping others. She would always be the one who volunteered to sit with sick family members at hospitals, visit the elders, and make sure everything was in order. Missionary Rosie departed this life early Friday morning, April 1, 2022. Missionary Rosie was preceded in death by: her parents, Deacon John Palmer and Mother Helen Stokes; six brothers, Lester, Henry Sr., Marvin, Carter, Sylvester, and Henry Jr. (Terrell); one sister, Lois Stokes; and both paternal and maternal grandparents. Missionary Rosie leaves to cherish her memories: three sons, Conandus Jr., Alfonso (Suelyn), and Palmer (Lisa); one daughter, Monika Stokes; two sisters, Berthalla (Deacon Emanuel) Ivy and Maggie Johnson; two brothers, Percy Donell and Howard Lee; two aunts, Evangelist Annie Mae (Dr. Archie) Matlock and Thelma Lane of St. Louis, MO; one uncle, Pastor Shelby (Jewel) Stokes; six grandchildren, Lazarick, Lakesha, Lakeiah, Alfonso Jr., Acacia, and Ta’Sharick; one godson, Vontrell Banks; a special friend, Thomas Patton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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