Lawrence Banks, 63, of Newport News, Virginia, peacefully passed on December 16, 2022. Lawrence was born on September 29, 1959 and was a son of the late Virginia Gray Banks and Russell Bowser.

He was preceded in death by: his heart and soul beautiful daughter Lannika Adams, two loving sisters Sandra Banks Lee and Viesta Ennis and loving brother Willie Gray.

Lawrence he attended Northampton County High School in Northampton, NC. He was a member of the Colonial Bucks Hunting Club for several years and he was a member of Gaston Missionary Baptist Church, Gaston NC.

He was loving, caring, kind, and very out going that lead to meeting Barbara Adams and they later married on June 2, 1995. They had three beautiful daughters together, one loving son with (Norma Greene).

Lawrence worked various jobs, which included: at Weldon Mills for many years, also worked farming at the same time. He moved to Newport News and started his employment with Newport Shipyard. He had just received an award for 15 years of service. Over the years he was able to build a relationship with many co-workers and friends.

Lawrence aka Rattlesnake/Hair he loved fishing, hunting, playing pool, and spending time with family. He also loved arguing with people about his NFL team Washington Commanders (Redskins) even if they lost he had to have the last word for his team. He was very loving and caring at heart.

Lawrence leaves to cherish his precious memories, his loving wife: Barbara L. Banks of Emporia, VA; his devoted children: late Lannika, Disheka, and Ca'Mell Adams of Emporia, VA, son Jamale Avent ( Natalie) of Valentines, VA, grandchildren: Tayevion and Traivion Adams, KaMyah, Le'Asia, Kaliyah Pope his beloved siblings: late Viesta Ennis of Clayton, NC, Rosa Fleming (Pastor Nathaniel) and Ethel Banks (Rufus) of Roanoke Rapids, NC, Edward Banks of Gaston, N C, Herbert Banks of Henrico, NC, Randy Banks (Sally) and Alex Banks (Mildred) of Skippers, VA, Earl Banks (Dorothy) of Weldon, NC, James Bowser (Dorothy) and Elder William Bowser of Emporia, VA, Cecil Bowser (Margaret) of Gaston, NC and late Sandra Banks Lee (Robert Lee) of Gaston, NC.

Best friend: Charles Hudley (Hobart), other devoted friends: nephew John(JR), brothers Earl and Rufus and friend Stanley Crawley. Host of nieces and nephews to cousins, other relatives and many friends who was very valuable and meaningful and compassionate person.

"Also the Adams Family want to give a special thanks to sister Ethel Banks (Poodastick) niece Latrice Stallings (Doboo), and nephew John (J.R).”

"Today I gave you roses."

I gave you one red rose for every year that you shared with me.
As I placed them on your grave, my tears fell silently for the man I had truly loved before in my life. And even tho we had separated for years for who is now just a memory. I know those roses will slowly wither away, but a memory so precious with me will always stay. It will never ease the sadness or the pain I've come to know, for no matter how much time goes by, I will always miss you so.

Your loving wife,

Barbara

"I'm Free"

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free; I'm following the path God laid for me. We took His hand when we heard Him call; We turned our back and left it all; could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. We found sweet peace at the close of the day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with love, remember with joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things We too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, We wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I've savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; Lift up your hearts and share with me God wanted me now, HE SET ME FREE!

Your loving children

Disheka, Ca'Mell, and Jamale

"You Never Said Goodbye"

You never said I'm leaving,

You never said goodbye.

You were gone before I knew it, And only God knew why.

A million times we needed you, A million times we cried.

If love alone could have saved you, You never would have died.

In life we loved you dearly, In death we love you still.

In my heart you hold a place,

'That no one could ever fill.

It broke my heart to lose you, But you didn't go alone

For part of us went with you, The day God took you home.

Your loving daughter,

Disheka

Goodbyes

ARE NOT FOREVER

Goodbyes

ARE NOT THE END THEY SIMPLY MEAN

I'LL MISS YOU

INTIL WE MEET AGAIN

Your loving daughter,

Ca'Mell

The man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children who has filled his niche and accomplished his task who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.

Your loving son,

Jamale

"Grandpa"

We'll always remember that special smile, that caring heart, that warm embrace, you always gave us.

You being there for Grandma and us through good and bad times, no matter what.

We'll always remember you Grandpa, because there'll never be another one to replace you in our hearts, and the love we will always have for you.

Your loving grandchildren,

Tayevion, Traivion, Ka'Myah, Le'Asia, and

Kaliyah