HR0988 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0988 LRB104 22480 MST 38925 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Demetra Rayvoir Banks, who passed away on June 25, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Demetra Banks was born in Texarkana, Arkansas to James Sr. and Bessie Marie (English) Flint on January 17, 1959; she attended Theron Jones Elementary School until fourth grade, when she became one of the first students to integrate the Liberty-Eylau Independent School District; her family relocated to Chicago Heights in 1970, and she attended Washington Junior High School; and

WHEREAS, Demetra Banks graduated from Bloom High School in 1977, where she was on the cheer squad and sang with the Ellis Franklin Singers, a community high school gospel choir; she attended Elmhurst University, where she sang in the gospel choir; she married Dwayne A. Banks Sr. on July 27, 1985, and they settled in Peoria; and

WHEREAS, Demetra Banks was employed by the United States Postal Service, where she dedicated more than 25 years of service before retiring in February 2015; and

WHEREAS, Demetra Banks served the Peoria community through various organizations and her church home, St. Paul Church, where she was part of the Greeters Committee and was active in the Women of Courage Ministries; she was a speaker on Pink Sunday, where she raised breast cancer awareness and shared her story; she also was an advocate for others in the community, offering resources, encouragement, and support to those walking a similar journey through Circle of Promise; and

WHEREAS, Demetra Banks was affectionately known as "Happy Feet" and had a deep love for her family; she found great joy in traveling, especially enjoying trips with family as well as her annual girlfriend trip with her dear friends; she was one of the members of the New Birth Choral Ensemble in the late 70s and 80s; and

WHEREAS, Demetra Banks, inspired by her mother, proudly continued her legacy as a second-generation and Life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; she passed that legacy on to her daughter and granddaughter, creating four generations of sisterhood, scholarship, and service; she was a current member of Nu Pi Omega chapter in Peoria, holding several leadership positions and serving on numerous committees; she was nominated for Soror of the Year on several occasions; and

WHEREAS, Demetra Banks was preceded in death by her mother, Bessie Flint; and

WHEREAS, Demetra Banks is survived by her husband of 40 years, Dwayne; her children, Danielle, Dwayne (Mayra) Jr., and Dreyanna Banks; her grandchildren, Dejah Foster, Kent Johnson, Krew Johnson, and Masai Banks; her father, Rev. James R. Flint Sr.; her siblings, Rev. Alecia (Michael) Dixon and Pastor James R. (Thursday) Flint Jr.; her in-laws; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Demetra Rayvoir Banks and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Demetra Banks as a symbol of our deepest sympathy.