Harold Garland Banks passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at his home in Washington,
DC, following a lengthy and courageous period of health struggles.

His incomparable life was notably defined by a love story for the ages. He leaves his wife or "roommate"
of 68 years — Theresa Seay Banks — to mourn the loss. Their uncommon union and devotion began at
Bluefield State College in Bluefield, West Virginia, and they subsequently curated a life that produced three
treasured daughters.

Those daughters, "Harold's Angels" … #1, #2, and #3 … were his pride and unmitigated joy, and he relished
the notion that he guided their respective journeys with unwavering empowerment and grace. They are
Denita Banks-Sims (Glenn), Dr. Kimberly Holmes (Mark), and the late Shari Banks-Gladney (Timothy).

His three girls and their respective families embody the generational legacy of his beloved grandchildren
Alexandra (Paul), Carter, Timothy, Madison, and Jacob. It would require hours of uninterrupted attention to
properly convey the imprints of laughter, love, and wisdom embedded in his legendary "Haroldisms."

Harold Garland Banks was born in Alpoca, West Virginia, to the late Roy and Izetta (Spencer) Banks on
November 6, 1935. The majestic Blue Ridge mountains shaped his world view, as their incomparable
beauty joined a birthright of honorable labor and faith from the traditions inherited by both of his Virginia�born parents. He is preceded in death by siblings Earl Banks (Patricia), Hobert Banks, and Virginia Fralin (Robert).

His early achievements as a student at Conley High School in Mullens, West Virginia, foretold an exceptional
intellect, distinctive leadership qualities, unmatched magnetism, athletic aptitude, and an incomparable
sense of humor. His wit knew no equal.

Harold's educational preparation was soon steeped as President of the Student Council at the Historically
Black College of Bluefield State and came to include his proud membership in the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity
that seeded a lifetime of brotherhood that he embraced for more than sixty years.

The young couple soon joined the thousands of Great Migration college graduates and relocated to
Washington, DC., where his association with the fabled Howard University would begin. He would come to
serve as a longstanding housing administrator for 33 plus years, and his remarkable career was characterized
by the simultaneous strengthening of the school's international standing.

His passions and pursuits were varied and included serving as President of ACUHO (Association of College
and University Housing Officers), President of the Howard University Credit Union, Honorable Tuskegee
Airman, Officer of the Pigskin Club/Washington Commanders, Chairman of the Board of the Baptist Home
for Children, and countless roles as a faithful member and Trustee of East Washington Heights Baptist
Church … where it is widely known that he rivaled the posture of the British Royal Guard as a church usher
and "thoughtful" timekeeper for Pastors that might cut into the Washington Football Team kick off.

Yet, a full life is also measured by unofficial titles. Harold exemplified a rare humanity that elevated everyone around him. He nurtured the human experience and imbued all encounters with a contagious and
charming smile that belied his handsome carriage.

He was a patriot … he relished holidays and celebrations … he prized the Washington Football Team … he
adored his family and was a steward of an authentic neighborhood that remains a hallmark of the nation's
capital.

Harold would often declare that, "We stand on the shoulders of those that came before us." For time eternal,
we know that we will be standing on his.

His extraordinary life will be celebrated at his church home:

Saturday, September 6, 2025

East Washington Heights Baptist Church

2220 Branch Avenue Washington, DC 20020 ewhbc.org

10:00am Visitation

11:30am Funeral Service

Internment at Lincoln Hills Cemetery

Repass Immediately following at East Washington Heights Baptist Church

*Donations of expressions of sympathy may be extended:

CAPITAL AREA FOOD BANK in honor of Harold G. Banks

www.capitalareafoodbank.org