Patricia A. Banks age 86 of Spring City died Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Born in 1938 in Hazard, Kentucky she was the daughter of the late Patrick William (P.W.) and Anita Taylor Salyer. The family moved to Florida in the early 1950’s. Pat was a graduate of Miami Jackson High School class of 1956. She attended Jackson Memorial School of Nursing before she met the love of her life Tom Banks. They were married in 1958 in Hialeah, Florida. Pat, Tom & the kids moved to Spring City in 1964. Over the years, Pat worked in various professions during her career including owning a restaurant, working at Southern Silk Mills, operating Pats Pin Cushion seamstress shop and worked twenty years in local nursing homes as a business manager prior to retirement. After retirement Pat operated her catering business for many years.
Always civic minded, Pat belonged the Spring City Kiwanis Club and the Spring City Business and Professional Women’s Club; where she held several offices and went on to be the State President of the Tennessee Federation B. & P.W. Club in 1982.
She and her husband Tom were active in Spring City and Rhea County schools PTA and Band Boosters for many years. Pat was always an active member of her church; especially known for organizing probably every meal function that they had. She served as an Elder in her church. She is a charter member of the New Beginning Church in Spring City and was instrumental in its concept, organization and development.
Pat loved to travel, both in the United States and Europe. Both of which, she traveled extensively. One of her favorites was Italy, which she returned to many times. She always said that Italy was calling her from time to time and that they must be her people. All you had to do was say “let’s go” and Pat would have her bags packed and ready to go; including a coffee pot, fresh muffins and an assortment of snacks and would still have less luggage then anyone on the trip! When she had time, Pat enjoyed reading, painting and cooking for both her family and friends. She was a force to reckon with when she had a project or engagement. It was all hands on deck, until it was done; it never mattered how long it took or whether or not the sun was already rising!
Pat is also preceded in death by her son Bobby Banks.
Survivors include her husband of 66 years Tom Banks of Spring City, children Tommy (Grace) Banks of Roswell, GA and Lori Banks Armstrong of Spring City, her brother Bill (Shelia) Salyer of Spring City and her grandchildren Katy (Paul) Shaakof Atlanta, GA, Arlo (Stephanie) Banks of Phoenix AZ, Robert (Naomi) Banks of Indiana, Bailee (Nicolas) Armstrong of Berlin, MI, Blake Armstrong of Dayton, TN and great grandchildren Teagan, R.J. , Brynndalyn and Ava Rose.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. in the new building of her church New Beginning Church, 170 Church Street in Spring City with Rev. Jimmy Harper and Rev. Grace Hammer officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials for Pat can be given to the New Beginning Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 67 Spring City, Tennessee 37381.
Vaughn Funeral Home, Spring City is in charge of the arrangements of Patricia Anne Banks and ask that you share memories of her on our website www.vaughn-funeral-home.com