Esther "Mickey" Banks

Esther Margaret “Mickey” Banks, age 66 of Huntsville, TN passed away peacefully at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Mickey was born on December 15, 1957, in Des Moines, Iowa. She was the daughter of the late Robert King Palfreyman and the late Mildred Caroline Palfreyman (Saul). Mickey was a long-time member of Mill Branch Baptist Church, pastored by Jeff Watson. Jeff, along with his wife Denise and two children Matthew and Kayla, she loved dearly and considered a part of her family. She was deeply committed to her faith and lived her life with unwavering devotion and love for the Lord.

She graduated from Hazard High School in Kentucky in 1974 and went on to receive her Medical Transcribing and Coding certifications later in life from the Tennessee Technology Center, and her Associate Degree in Business from Roane State Community College. One of her favorite positions she held in her life was being a substitute teacher at Fairview School and Scott High School.

Mickey is survived by her husband, Kenny Banks, who she was married to for 50 long years; her loving mother-in-law, Janelle Banks; her two daughters, Kimberly Bridges and husband Jason and Kendra Bowling and husband Anthony; her four grandchildren, Johnathan, Abby, Rilie, and Jake. Mickey considered her grandchildren her greatest source of joy and pride in her life. They love their Mamaw Mickey endlessly and hold her close to their hearts now and forever. She is also survived by her loving five sisters and one brother, Mildred Palfreyman, Mary Retzler and husband Andy, Tina Retzler and husband Mike, Annette Walker and husband Don David, John Palfreyman and wife Kim, and Jenny Hoffman and husband Doug; her special friends, Lenita Daugherty, Pauline Johnson, Evaline Holland-Gross, and the late Maxine Barnette; many nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.

Friends may visit with the Banks family on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 12 p.m. until time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. in the chapel of West-Murley Funeral Home with Bro. Jeff Watson and Bro. Cory Elmore officiating. Music will be provided by Denise Watson and the Mill Branch Church Choir.

Committal service will follow in the Mill Branch Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Jason Bridges, Anthony Bowling, John Palfreyman, Andy Retzler, Don David Walker. Honorary pallbearers will be: Johnathan Bridges and Rick Banks.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: 
Esther "Mickey" Banks Funeral Fund
c/o West-Murley Funeral Home
18641 Alberta St.
Oneida, TN 37841 

West-Murley Funeral Home is serving the family of Esther Margaret “Mickey” Banks.

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