Mrs. Mary Ruth Gilbert Banks departed this life on Sunday, October 12, 2008 at Medical University Hospital, Charleston, South Carolina. She was born on December 27, 1940, a daughter of the late Mary Alice and Wilson (Bubba) Gilbert.

Ruth, as she was known by her family and friends, graduated from Williams Memorial High School in 1959. After graduating from high school, she moved to New York where she earned a certificate as an IBM Keypunch Operator. and she was a certified nursing assistant. While in New York, she met and married her loving husband, Hollis Banks.

Ruth and her family later moved back home to South Carolina. Upon her return, she worked faithfully and diligently for many years in Harvey Chapel Baptist Church. She was the secretary of the Adult choir for over thirty years. She also served the church with dedicated service in many other capacities. Ruth was a quiet and mild tempered person who possess the qualities of the capable wife. She was known as "Mom" to many others and will truly be missed by her family, the community, her church family and all who knew her.

She leaves to cherish fond memories: her loving and devoted husband, Hollis Banks; one daughter, Regina Gilbert of Brooklyn, NY; three sons, Fitzgerald (Cecelia) Gilbert, Hollis Banks, III, and Derrick Banks all of Reevesville, SC; four sisters, Pearlie Mae (Jerry) Boyd; Emma (Marvin) Britt, Vivian (Willie) Rice and Deloris (Jackie) Evans all of Reevesville, SC; ten grandchildren, Valencia N. Glibert, Jerri Gilbert, Lasha Gilbert, Viandra McCarthy, Itainya Ling, Michelle Ling, Rasha Ling, Faith Ling, Jaqalin Gilbert and Vandalia Mercius; two great grandchildren of the home, Nokya Edwards and Eyin Edwards; two aunts, Pearl Brown of Orlando, FL and Wise Lee Gilbert of Branchville, SC; one uncle, Adrin Cobbs of Florence, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.