Elijah Banks

Published 2:45 pm Wednesday, January 22, 2025

July 15, 1942—Jan. 15, 2025

VIDALIA—Elijah Banks, affectionately known as “Stepper”, 82, of Ferriday, departed this earthly life on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in Baton Rouge. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Stephens Baptist Church in Vidalia, with Pastor Leon Dixon officiating.

Burial will follow at Natchez National Cemetery under the direction of West Gate Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home and will continue Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

Elijah was born July 15, 1942, the son of Littie Frazier and Herbert Banks. He was a United States Navy veteran, businessman, and political official. Mr. Banks was a member of St. Stephens Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He enjoyed farming and horses. He was also a Justice of the Peace, Alderman, and janitorial services owner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Mary Banks (Adell), Leon Banks, Rosie Carter, Leola Smith, Lottie Knote, and Littie Johnson, and his daughter, Arianna Banks.

Elijah’s memories will be forever cherished by his daughters, Kanzaida Pierre (Anthony), Memsani Kohn, and Kayla Banks; brothers, James Banks (Mary Alice) and Hervy Banks (Sherry); and other relatives and friends.

Online condolences may be sent to www.westgatefh.com.