Laura Juanita (Meade) Banks

Laura Juanita Banks, 91, of Whitesburg, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, after a long battle with dementia.

Born July 18, 1934, she retired from the Jenkins School District, where she worked as both an elementary school teacher and principal. She strongly believed that education was the key to a better quality of life and loved watching her students grow and develop. As the devoted wife of the late David “Herb” Banks, retired pastor of Premium Baptist Church, she found deep joy in singing hymns and serving her church community. She was a hard worker who took great pride in her garden and keeping her yard beautiful. In her later years, she enjoyed the relaxing hobby of adult coloring, watching Kentucky Wildcats basketball and taking care of her dog Ziggy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herb Banks, her parents Eunice and Curtis Meade, and her brother Sparrel Meade.

Juanita is survived by her sisters Wilma Shortt and Joyce Short, daughter Carolyn Gleason (husband John), son Paul Banks (wife Gretchen), grandson Ian Gleason, granddaughter Hayleigh Banks-Britton (husband Rodney), great-granddaughter Juniper, along with other loving family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Letcher Funeral Home in Whitesburg, with funeral services immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Banks Peaceful Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Premium Baptist Church.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.