BANKS Winter-Spring 2008 Remembering Haynie and Gertrude Banks Haynie Gillespie Prince was born September 2, 1904, the son of Marcus and Laura Prince. The second of six brothers and sisters, Haynie grew up on a farm in Lincoln County, Georgia, where his father served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church. By the age of seventeen he had completed his primary and secondary education in the local schools and was accepted as an undergraduate student at Presbyterian College, Clinton, South Carolina. Upon graduation in 1925, he was offered the position of elementary school Principal in Bessemer City, North Carolina. The last of nine children of Thomas Marion and Georgia DeLura Banks, Lura Gertrude was born February 2, 1902. She attended schools in Stevens County and enrolled in the State Normal School in Athens, which later became the University of Georgia. Upon graduation, she applied for and was accepted as a first grade teacher in the small town of Bessemer City, North Carolina, whose principal was none other than Haynie Gillespie Prince. The teacherprincipal relationship blossomed until they faced a major disagreement over the method of teaching music to first graders—Gertrude the teacher, Haynie the musician. As it turned out Haynie acquiesced, which eventually led to courtship between principal and teacher. With Gertrude’s brother and sister-in-law—John Allen and Susie—in attendance, the couple was married August 20, 1936, in Calvary Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC. They honeymooned in the North Carolina Mountains. After their honeymoon, the couple returned to Bessemer City where they remained until Haynie was selected to fill the position of Dean of Students at Presbyterian College. While in Clinton, Gertrude became a mother—their daughter Jeri was born—taught kindergarten and, in fact, was the charter director of the Presbyterian Church kindergarten of Clinton. Continued on page 2
Inside this issue: Volina Dixon Roper
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Family News Anncouncements
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Jeri Stapleton authors
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series of children’s books Dan & Taylor Coles
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Contact me with your news!!
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Donna Banks Dodd 3425 Spinnaker Way Acworth, GA 30102 678-574-7071
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Volina Dixon Roper We mourn the loss of beloved cousin Volina Dixon Roper who died Saturday, February 9, 2008. Our heartfelt condolences reach out to husband Earl, daughters Margaret, Debra, and Patricia; sister Martha Jane; brothers, Thomas and Rodolph; five grandchildren—Diana Ric Hall, Blake, Ashley, Stephen and Tyler Hudson; and, one great grandchild, Mason L. Hall.
Although Volina had been in declining health, she remained steadfast in her love for her extended family of cousins, and made every effort, even though painful, to attend the annual reunion of the Banks Family. The daughter of Bertie Volina Banks and Willard Rodolph Dixon, she drew her first breath in Greenville, SC, seventy-four years ago, and was laid to rest on a quiet and gentle slope in Oconee Memorial Park. She will be sorely missed.
Remembering Haynie and Gertrude Banks continued from page 1 In 1954 Haynie accepted a position as principal and the family moved to Brookfield, Georgia. In 1959, another move took them to Moultrie, Georgia, where both Haynie and Gertrude taught. While in Moultrie, Gertrude returned to college and completed degree requirements at Valdosta State College. And what would become the climax of his teaching career, Haynie commuted daily to Albany, Georgia—a distance of forty miles—whose school system allowed teachers and principals to participate in Social Security, a move designed to improve his retirement benefits. Haynie died August 25, 1977, a week away from his 73rd birthday. He was a selftaught musician and a talented artist. He will always be remembered for his deep love of family—the Prince family, the Banks family, the Stapleton family. Gertrude was the last survivor of Thomas Marion’s children and she treasured her role as family matriarch. And not only could she recite the names of her many nieces and nephews, she knew the next generation as well. Gertrude died November 6, 1994, at the age of 92. She and Haynie are buried in Sunset Gardens, Moultrie, GA. Jeri Stapleton, Alamo, Ga.
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After Theresa arrived back home in
Aunt Ophelia Kenneth Edward Maggio Berrane was born to Benjamin Anderson Berrane and Jessica Maggio on March 25. They live in Kill Devil Hills, N.C., where Ben works in a lawn-care business and is al so a v o lu nt ee r f ir ef ig ht e r . Ben is son of Shelley Anderson. Elizabeth Marie Robinette Anderson married Timothy Chambers on Oct. 14. The two live in Kill Devil Hills.
Aunt Bertie Daniel Dixon receives announcement that he is accepted to Furman University, Greenville, SC. Daniel lives in Germany with his parents,
Germany, she wanted to visit the Christmas scenes in Germany so off to Rudesheim and this picture is there. "Theresa Dixon in her MIT cap and scarf visit the Scandinavian section in Rudesheim international market."
She is daughter of Shelley Anderson. David James Berrane is working on his M.S. in Environmental Science at Virginia Commonwealth University, and also works for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. David is son of Shelley Anderson Andy Berrane lives in Colorado with his wife, Melissa, and their son, Bryce. Andy is son of Shelley Anderson.
Aunt Alice Alicia & Harold Speers (Kinsey & Briana) have finely gotten settled into a new home since their house fire June 4th 2007. Their new home is in Canton, Geor gia. Chris Terrell & his wife, Heidi are expecting a baby in August!
Tim and Irm Dixon. Daniel is grandson of Ginger and Thomas Dixon.
The triplets are all in college; Stephen is at UNC Chapel Hill, NC, Ashley and Blake are at Furman University in Greenville, SC. Patricia, Mike and son Tyler have moved to Red Oak, Iowa where Mike has accepted a position as plant manager to a battery component division of Johnson Controls.
Mason Linvil Hall was born 30 January 2008 to Ben & Diana Rich Hall of Flowery Branch, Georgia.
Jeri Chasteen (Doris's daughter) had foot surgery in February. Once that one heals, she will have surgery on the other foot.
Mason weighed in at 8 lbs & 2 oz and was 21 1/4 inches long.
Uncle Groves
Diana is the daughter of the late Linvil Rich & Margaret Roper Rich. Margaret is daughter of Earle & Volina Dixon Roper, who is daughter of Willard and Bertie Banks Dixon. Rodolph Dixon has just completed a period of time as Interim pastor of First Baptist Church, Kingstree, SC. Thomas Dixon
Conner James Blasco was born on November 26, 2007. He weighted in at 8 pounds 15 ounces and was 20 inches long. He is the son of Bryan and Carrie Blasco. Bryan is the son of Ron and Brenda Blasco - grandson of Ralph Truitt and Margaret Banks and the late Bennie Banks. The proud father, mother and big sister, Sidney are doing fine and adjusting to their new bundle of joy.
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Jeri Stapleton authors series of children’s books About three years ago, I felt this strong urge - which I think came from the good Lord - telling me that I should begin a series of books for children that were inspirational but not preachy. We are all called by God to witness, and maybe this is one way that I can do so. The main character is my own little Boston terrier, Taylor. There are five books in this series designed to promote Inspirational Children’s literature. These books are written to appeal to children from ages 3 to 9. The series of stories explores such issues as cultural diversity, dealing with death, and the true meaning of Christmas. The first three books focus on God as the creator, God as a loving and forgiving Holy Father, and on God’s plan. In the fourth book, Taylor will have her first encounter with the baby Jesus as she learns the true meaning of Christmas.
Visit the website at www.TaylorStories.com. Jeri’s email: jeristapleton@hotmail.com
Jeri Stapleton and Taylor with artist, illistrator, Jo Anne Edge
Mamma Beth with Taylor
Danny and Taylor Coles The 2007 Banks Reunion was very special for me, as both my sons were able to attend. This was Danny’s third year straight; and Taylor’s first time to attend in many years. Taylor flew in late Friday, just in time to join us for cemetery clean-up the next morning. Dan (left) is now 25 years old, lives in Cary, NC, and works for Golden Corral Corporate in their computer support division. Taylor is 23, lives in Denver, Colorado, and works for Rock Star energy drinks in their marketing division. Donna Banks Dodd Proud mom!!
Got Scoop for the next newsletter? You may send it via email to donnabdodd@yahoo.com or by US Mail to: Donna Dodd, 3425 Spinnaker Way, Acworth, GA 30102 Phone: 678-574-7071