Melvin Banks

A bouncing baby boy, Melvin Jerome Banks, was born on December 21, 1964, to Leroy Sr. and Melfia Jean Banks. He accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Reverend Willis at Jones Chapel A.M.E., where he discovered and embraced the gift of song alongside his brothers and sisters. Jerome’s education began at Shadydale Elementary School, continued at B.C. Elmore Jr. High School, and he proudly graduated from Forest Brook Sr. High School in 1983. Jerome held a deep fascination for dump trucks from watching his father, and he was determined to learn to drive them himself. He also supported the family barbecue business. His professional journey began at Express Trucking in 1984, where he worked until 1988. He later worked under Kim Portis, followed by John Day at John Day Trucking, and then at Holmer Trucking. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate his own barbecue business from 1990 to 1994. Afterward, he worked for Kroger’s, Ardie Trucking, and AAA Insurance Auction until 2000. In 2002, Jerome stepped into business ownership again, founding M.J.B. Transport, ajunk car business, he ran with pride. He later worked briefly for Samuel Holcomb before joining Holmes Recycling, where he remained until his health began to decline. On November 27, 2025, Melvin Jerome Banks departed this life, leaving his family and loved ones in deep sorrow. On December 12, 1985, he married the love of his life, Pam Allen Banks. His son Kendrick Keshawn Taylor was born on June 28, 1983, and together Jerome and Pam welcomed their son Pattrick Jerome Banks on April 22, 1986, and their beautiful daughter Shauntayvia Denise Banks on April 10, 1992. Pattrick proudly followed in his father’s footsteps, developing a love for the wrecker truck business. Jerome treasured walking his daughter Shauntayvia in her 2009 homecoming court and supporting her involvement in the Northshore Gospel Choir. He was a devoted father who loved attending and celebrating his children’s activities at St. Matthews Baptist Church. Jerome was a man who opened his home and his heart to family, friends, and neighbors. His cooking brought people together, and he especially cherished the times when his grandchildren visited during the summer. His presence was marked by warmth, laughter, and an unforgettable smile. In 1996, Jerome moved his membership to St. Matthews Baptist Church under the leadership of Leroy Lacy Jr. He served faithfully as a steward, participated in the male chorus, and generously shared his talent for cooking at numerous church events. Jerome leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife Pam; his children Kendrick (Eboni) and Shauntayvia (Wynton); siblings Gerry, Sandra (Sammy), Leon, Deloris, Jacquline, Kim (Arthur), and Alvin (Ronda); and aunties Black Banks and Vern Holmes. He also leaves behind his childhood best friends Robert “Bird” Jackson (Lisa), Kelvin Lincoln, Mr. Butler (Pat), Mark (Tire Shop), and Matthew Conway; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; nine grandchildren—Alani (Fernando), Kendrick Jr., Sh’Miyah, Kennedy, Kemani, Harmoni, Adrianna, Amazi, and Wynton Jr.—and one great-grandbaby, Ke’lani. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Clomie Lee Banks, Issac Banks Sr., Penia Dornes, and Rufus Dornes; parents Leroy Banks Sr. and Melfia Jean Banks; uncle Arthur Holmes, grandson Joseph (Jboogie) Riggins; brothers Leroy Banks Jr. and Kelvin Ray Banks; sisters-in-law Monique Banks, Stephanie Banks, and Rhonda Banks; brothers-in-law Timothy Donahue and Gary Brown; niece Ashley Banks; nephews Derrick Donahue, Leroy “Pac-Man” Banks III, Raven Jarrell Smith, Derrick Raymond, and Leon “Lee Lee” Leroy Banks Jr. Melvin enjoyed cracking jokes, brightening every room he entered, and sharing his joy with everyone he met. He never met a stranger he couldn’t make laugh. His presence, his humor, and his love will be truly and deeply missed.