Mary Bankston

Mrs. Mary Lou Bankston, 86, of Corner, Al passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by the love of family and friends on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Mary was born February 24, 1939. She was the 5th of 8 children. She was a graduate of Corner High School. She married her late husband Phil in 1956, sharing over 69 years together. A lover of the beauty of God’s creation, Mary enjoyed gardening and being outside watching and listening to the birds. When it came to flowers, she had a green thumb and also a talent for making beautiful arrangements. She was a wonderful cook, as well, famous among family and friends for her chocolate cake. Mary was a woman of great faith. Her love for the Lord was evident. She faithfully attended Grace Baptist Church until Phil’s health required her to be home with him. But, even then, every night they made sure they had the tv on for “preaching” (David Jeremiah). Mary will be remembered for her selfless love and service to others. She really had a heart to take care of people. Over the years, she worked as a nanny, loving the children she cared for as if they were her own. She was always the first to bring a meal to ease the burden for a friend or loved one in hard times. And it was very important to her to honor the memory of all of her late family members. She would, without fail, put out flowers for immediate and extended family every year on decoration days. She cherished her family above everything, always putting them before herself. She put her love into action. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She shined bright in the lives of all those who loved her. Mary is preceded in death by her son Paul Alan Bankston; husband of 69 years, Phil Bankston; parents Elda Cox and Asa Cox; siblings Evelyn Sanders, Joe B. Cox, Myra Caddell, Ruby Herrington, James (Jimmy) Cox, Louise McKinney and Johnny Ray Cox; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Eloise and William Rouse. Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter Paula Bankston Clark; grandchildren Jon Nix (Ann) and Holly Buckley (Matt); great-grandson Eli Buckley; and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services will be held at New Horizon Chapel at 2:00 PM, Saturday, September 27, 2025. The family will receive friends one hour before the service time. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Mary Bankston

February 24, 1939 - September 23, 2025