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Gertie Mae Banks-Tanner


Sunrise: May 7, 1963

Sunset: July 8, 2021

On May 7, 1963, the late Allen Julius and Maggie Lee Banks welcomed their beautiful, beloved baby girl, Gertie Mae Banks. Thursday night, July 8, 2021, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital our beloved Gertie transitioned into eternal rest. Gertie accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and became a woman of great faith and virtue, using and believing in the power of prayer in every aspect of her life. She was a partner at Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church (“The Mount”) in Chesapeake, VA, where she attended and enjoyed services faithfully.

Gertie attended Norfolk Public Schools and graduated in 1981 from Booker T. Washington High School. After graduating, she attended and graduated from Hicks School of Beauty, where she perfected her passion for cosmetology. For many years she served as a traveling beautician, where many of her clients became close friends and family. Gertie also worked as a cashier and manager at BP gas station for over 20 years, where she was able to serve and create personable relationships with her customers. Our beauty queen, our fashionista, our diva, and dancing machine are just a few of her most memorable attributes. She was always dressed to impress; faithfully rocking her blonde shortcut, gorgeous jewelry, tasteful clothing, designer purse, and a pair of heels to rave about. Her passion for fashion never lacked, as one of her favorite pass times was shopping. Not only did she love to look good, but she loved making others look good by doing hair and make-up. She also loved Zumba class and would practice her moves in and outside of class. No matter the day, time or moment; you could bask in her shimming her shoulders, snapping her fingers, dancing and singing, giving us all something to smile about.

Gertie exuded beauty not only in appearance, but from the inside as well. She graced every room she was in with her style, class and spirit. She was kind hearted, selfless, and a blessing to those around her. One of her greatest passions was the love she had for her family and friends. Most fondly, she shared a beautiful relationship with her grandson Mylo, whom she absolutely adored. Full of life, full of fashion, full of faith, love, laughter and beauty; Gertie was truly one of a kind and can never be replaced.

Gertie was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Maggie Banks; her eldest sister Veronica Banks, and both her maternal and paternal grandparents. Gertie’s life is treasured and mourned by her husband Michael Tanner, her one and only beloved son Michael J. Tanner, the love of her life, her grandson, Mylo M. Tanner; two step daughters, Shanita Tavers (Ben) and Shadae Settles of Norfolk, VA, 6 beautiful step grandchildren of Norfolk; two lovely god children, Chanelle Wiggins of Maryland and Kevion Gallop of Richmond.

Also to cherish her memories she leaves her sisters, Vicky Moore (Kelvin) of Virginia Beach and Arlethia Banks-Bowser of Norfolk; her brothers Allen Banks (Valerie) of Suffolk, Antonio Banks (Thomasine) of Norfolk, and Terry Banks of Hampton; her lifelong friends and sisters, Veronica Wilkerson, Charlene Wiggins, Gloria Bazemore, Arsenia Clark, and Brenda Ballard; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Viewing Saturday, July 17, 2021 12:00pm- 4:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 120 W. Berkley Avenue Norfolk, VA 23523 Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Sunday, July 18, 2021 1:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service Berkley Chapel Interment Riverside Cemetery 1000 E. Indian River Road Norfolk, VA 23523

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Condolences(27)

  1. reply
    Lelia Anderson Dixon says

    My heart felt condolences to Gertie’s family and friends. She was a beautiful childhood friend and even lovelier adult. The Lord received an Angel that will be truly missed by all.

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    William Hinton says

    I will always think of her when I come to gas station to play my numbers she was there a very sweet person God has you now forever peace you will be missed

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    Benjamin Hudgins says

    Gertie was the best friend that anyone could have always positive and encouraging a joy to be around , it was a pleasure and a great privilege to have her in my life ❤️🙏🏾Always benjy

  4. reply
    Roger and Angela Hays says

    Gertie, such an amazing woman who BLESSED the lives of so many people…Thank you dear cousin for loving us, your family..for beautiful memories..but also for the spiritual legacy that continues because of who you were…

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      Cynthia Johnson says

      Sending my sincere condolences to
      Lady Gertie family.

  5. reply
    Yvonne Trotman says

    My condolences to Gertie’s family. I knew her from Faith Deliverance Christian Center. I will remember her beautiful smile and kind spirit.

  6. reply
    Rochelle Banks-McMorris says

    The children of Charles Banks Sr. would like to send their heartfelt condolences to your family. May GOD continue to bless you and guide you.

  7. reply
    Elsie Marie Williams says

    My condolences to Michael Tanner, sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family 💞

  8. reply
    Vanessa Taylor-Copeland says

    Heartfelt condolences to the family and all friends. Gertie and I met over 30 years ago when she was my Hair Stylist on Ingelside Rd in Norrfolk, VA. She had such a lovely spirit and personality that just was so magnetic which captivated all who met her. Even when she moved her business from there, I followed her for many years. She was always greeting you with kindness and a smile. I last saw her at her job at the gas station and we laughed and talked so much until I almost forgot to get my gas. She will be missed. Praying for God’s comfort for all her family and remembering she was so thrilled becoming a Mother ❤

  9. reply
    La Barbara Askew Ridley says

    To the Banks-Tanner family! Our Deepest Condolences to you ! I remember Gertie from High School , she was a sweet young Lady ! Always so classy and her Hair was always Gorgeous! She was our Beautician for years at the salon and even when she went out on her own to do your hair at home ! The Traveling Beautician! She Would Greet you with a Big Smile and her BIG Bag of supplies to do your hair ! She will be Missed ! What A Angel 😇

  10. reply
    Brenda Arrington-Banks says

    Please accept my deepest condolences. I have always considered your family my family, my heart is so heavy, getting the news about Gertie passing. I will continue to lift your family in prayer.

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      Tidewater convence says

      Tidewater convence sends their condolences. You will be missed Gertie.

  11. reply
    Felisicia Williams says

    My sincere condolences to all of you. My memories of Gertie is of her smile & gentle spirit. In later years she reminded me so much of her mother. I pray your memories will strengthen you as Christ comforts you. Your NC cousin🙏🏽❤️

  12. reply
    Cassandra Boyd-Parker says

    Sending heartfelt condolences to the family. May God give you peace during this difficult time. Gertie was such a sweet person, always kind and full of joy..

  13. reply
    Sylvester Starkes says

    Wishing my extended family sincere condolences. Gertie will truly be missed. I know she is chilling with mom and sis… I have great memories to hold on to and cherish!

  14. reply
    Deborah Taylor Mapp says

    To Michael & Family: You are in my prayers and thoughts as you say, “So long” to a sweet lady. I remember our last conversation so I know that she is with Jesus. May God comfort each of you as only He can. Much love, Cousin Deborah

  15. reply
    Kee Outlaw says

    Sending 🙏🏿🙏🏿❤️❤️💪🏾💪🏾To Mr Micheal And Family Sorry For Your Loss May Gods Strength Be Upon You All

  16. reply
    Torrie Cuffee says

    Michael Tanner and Family my sincere Condolences to you all. May God continue to keep and protect you is my prayer in this difficult time. Mrs. Tanner was a wonderful soul and she will be missed! God Bless

  17. reply
    Linda Gilmore says

    Too Mike and family I am So sorry to hear about Gertie sending my prayers and condolences too you and your family

  18. reply
    Janice Lee says

    Prayers and Thoughts with the Banks & Tanners Families. Gertie was Beautiful inside and outside.A Great Mother, Wife and Friend. She was My “Traveling Hair Stylist”.She had an Infectious Smile. SIP Angel God’s Got some Work for You in Heaven..Family Hold on To God’s Unchanging Hands , GOD will be your Strong Tower thru this most Difficult Time and Beyond. With Heartfelt Sympathy Janice & Rudy Lee & Family

  19. reply
    Amanda Sawyer-Turner says

    My condolences go out to the family, Mike Tanner, Mike Jr., And her grandson who she adores and loved wholeheartedly. There was never a moment Gerti didn’t greet me with a smile. Her spirit was always warm and welcoming, her hairdo was one of a kind, and she was a fashionista to the fullest. I’ll miss seeing her on all the bus trips, dances, and birthday gatherings. She’s embracing God with her inner beauty and positive presence now, so to the Tanner and Banks family I’m praying for you strength, but just know y’all shall meet again ❤️

  20. reply
    Theresa Kent Bullock says

    My heart is broken at the loss of my dear beautiful counsin. Gertie your smile and sweet spirit is forever seared into my heart. We had you in our family for a while but now heaven has another Angel forever! Theresa

  21. reply
    Tracy Mason says

    My heart is truly heavy to learn of this beautiful free spirited soul is no longer with us. This is one of Gods most beautiful fashionista’s every created. Lord knows we will miss her presents and good grace. Gertie you are one of a kind.
    Tracy

  22. reply
    Sheba Edwards says

    Words cannot express the pain that you’re feeling right now but just know that God is with you to comfort you and to give you and your family peace we will continue to pray and ask God for comfort in your time of need

  23. reply
    Geraldine W. Knight says

    My paryers are with the family of Gertie Mae Banks- Tanners. I thank you for being a true friend since 5 th grade rest on my friend. God blessed

  24. reply
    Cheryl Moore says

    May God’s Overflowing Love, Peace, Comfort, and Strength be with each of you throughout your time of sorrow! Keep your Faith and Trust God for everything!!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

  25. reply
    SCOTT AND JULIE BAKER says

    Scott Baker and Julie Baker send our Condolences to the Family, Gertie was the Best person we have ever met and Scott has had worked for at BP at Centerville .. she will be Dearly missed but will always remembered in our hearts forever… she has gained her angel wings and now dancing in the sky and will be watching over all of you…May she rest in peace….

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