Mary Lou Banks

It is with heavy hearts and profound love that we announce the passing of Mary Lou Banks, a cherished soul whose presence graced this earth for 61 years. Mary was born on January 24, 1965, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and peacefully departed this earthly realm on April 26, 2026, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by loved ones. Mary was the beloved daughter of the late Nathaniel and Jannie Lou Bookard Reed, who instilled in her the values of kindness, resilience, and compassion. She is now reunited with her beloved son, Jervey Lamont Johnson, and her dear brother, John H. Reed, who preceded her in death. Mary’s life was a testament to love and strength. She was a devoted mother, leaving behind a legacy of love through her four children: Enderia Reed, William Johnson, Cory Johnson, and Randall Summers, all of Orangeburg, South Carolina. Her memory will also be cherished by her devoted fiancée, Lurlis James, whose unwavering support and love were a source of immense joy in her later years. Mary found joy in the simplest pleasures, particularly through the art of cooking. Her kitchen was a haven where family and friends gathered, drawn in by her warmth, infectious laughter, and the delicious aromas of her lovingly prepared meals. She had a unique gift for bringing people together, her vibrant personality and quick wit lighting up every room she entered. Mary was a product of the public schools of Bowman, South Carolina, and she dedicated much of her life to working with various organizations, most notably as a manager at Dairy O, where her leadership and dedication left a lasting impact. Her legacy continues through her two sisters, Carolyn (Jessie) Johnson of Rowesville, South Carolina, and Barbara Reed of Columbia, South Carolina; her three brothers, Nathaniel Reed of Rowesville, South Carolina, Anthony Reed of Orangeburg, South Carolina, and Michael (Fateshia) Reed of Jacksonville, Florida. Mary was also a proud grandmother to 15 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to 11 great-grandchildren, each of whom she cherished deeply. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on May 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Glover’s Funeral Home, located at 2562 Charleston Hwy, Orangeburg, SC 29115. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of a woman whose life was a testament to love, laughter, and the enduring strength of family. Though she is no longer with us in body, Mary’s spirit will forever remain a guiding light for those she loved. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her, and her legacy of love and resilience will be carried forward by her family and friends. Rest in peace, dear Mary, knowing you were truly loved and will be deeply missed.