Obituary of Phyllis Lorraine Banks

Phyllis Lorraine Banks, daughter of the late George F. and Helen C. Brown, was born on January 20, 1948 in Camden, NJ. Phyllis was affectionately called by her father "Peepo" and "Phyl" by the rest of her loving family. Phyllis was a native of Lawnside, NJ where she lived and attended school throughout her childhood until marriage. She loved to cook, make ceramics with her mother, spending time with her brothers working on cars, walking barefoot picking herbs and fruit from mom's garden, fishing and crabbing with the family. Also, Phyllis enjoyed the family's weekly card parties, music, tap dancing, ballet and the art of Judo. After high school, Phyllis was employed at a Drug and Alcohol Center in Philadelphia, PA, then later at Columbia Records in Pitman, NJ. At the age of 20, she met and married the love of her life, Elvy T. Banks of Camden, NJ. They continued to love and cherish each other for the next 46 years. Shortly after meeting and marrying Elvy, they resided in Camden for a short time, then moved to Sicklerville, NJ which became their permanent loving home. Phyllis and Elvy opened their home without hesitation to their nieces, nephews and friends. Phyllis was more like a mother to many. She loved life as a wife and homemaker. Together, they enjoyed taking motorcycle trips, hosting family events, (especially barbeques), playing pinochle, Atari "Packman" competitions, watching boxing and gardening. Left to cherish her memory are her husband Elvy T. Banks, her sister, Dolly DeBruce (late Donald J. DeBruce), her brother, James "Jim" W. Brown (Shirley J. Brown). Preceding her in passing are her mother Helen C. Brown, father George F. Brown, Sr., brothers, Charles and George F. Brown II, sisters, Shirley B. Foster and Helen C. Hollis. Phyllis also leaves a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. She will always be remembered as a caring and loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, aunt and dear friend.