Lorraine Steele Banks

Lorraine Steele Banks
Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Friday, March 26, 2021, Mrs. Lorraine Steele Banks, wife of the late Robert L. “Bobby” Banks and mother of the late Karen Lee Gunn.

Survivors include sons: Buzzy Banks (Lauren), Tom Banks (Angela), David Banks (Debbie); grandchildren: Robert Banks, Dwight Banks, Lee Banks, William Banks, Weylan Morris, Jolene Wilson, Chelsea Percival (Austin), Lindsey Guilbeau (Taylor), Thomas Banks, Ian McDaniel (Jessie), Mitchel Banks (Leslie), Morgan Banks; great-grandchildren: Pearson and Dawson Percival, Palmer Guilbeau and Windsor McDaniel. Lorraine was born in Bon Secour, Alabama May 17, 1932. She and her sister, Ruth, were the two daughters of Dwight and Fairbelle Parker Steele. She enjoyed growing up on the white sands of Gulf Shores, Alabama and was an avid swimmer. Lorraine graduated from Foley High School in Foley, Alabama. As a teenager and young adult, "Rainie" worked in her family's diner, Steele's Cafe. The Steele family enjoyed serving locals and travelers the freshest seafood caught from the Gulf every morning by her father, Dwight. A young, handsome sailor came in the Cafe one day to have lunch. Their eyes met, love blossomed and, within six months, Robert Lee "Bobby" Banks and Lorraine Steele were married on May 21,1952.

Rainie chose to stay at home to raise their four children after moving to Augusta. She started her preschool for area children and taught many young people to swim in their home pool. When her youngest began school, she received her Associates Degree as a Surgical Nurse. Her loving and caring personality shone brightly in this profession. Rainie thoroughly enjoyed working with and entertaining young people while Bobby was the principal at Westside High School. She loved attending her sons' sporting events, often traveling great distances to cheer them on! As their four children grew and left home, Rainie decided to begin her real estate career. Again, her love for people was evident as she helped hundreds of clients find their perfect homes while working with Jack Hodges Realty, Crowell & Company and, finally, Meybohm Real Estate. She always had the best interest of people at heart. She retired after many years as a realtor.

The graveside service will be held Monday, March 29, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Westover Memorial Park with Dr. Joe Bowden officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Augusta Christian Schools Building Fund, 313 Baston Road, Martinez, GA 30907.
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com