In Loving Memory

Sara Jo Banks

April 1, 1954 - March 8, 2021

Sara Jo Banks, age 66, of Steubenville, Ohio died on Monday, March 8, 2021, at home due to a chronic illness.

Sara was born on April 1, 1954, in Martins Ferry, OH to Edgar and Rosetta Strother and grew up in Cadiz, Ohio. She graduated from Cadiz High School in 1973 and became a mother soon afterward. For many years, Sara held various positions in the social services field, including working for several years at Jefferson County Children Services. Her greatest role, however, was that of mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She enjoyed music, sitting outdoors, and playing solitaire.

Preceded in death were her parents Edgar and Rosetta Strother; siblings John Strother, Tommy Strother, Sydney Strother, Bessie Smith, Rhoda Christian, and Ann "Rooney" Reed; granddaughter Tay'lor Nicole West; and dearest friend/honorary sibling Cassandra Glanton.

She is survived by her 5 children: John (LaTisha Shackleford) Banks, Angela (Victor) Banks-Mason, Andrea (Daniel Hinshaw) Raimey, Connie (Cliff Tonge) Calkins, and Kiaraba "Eubee" Dixon; her 7 grandchildren: Tierra Banks, Na'auja Banks, Raven Banks, Nia Stinson, Mykala Dunn, Armani Dunn, and Victor "Ray" Mason; 4 great-grandchildren: Ava Dobbins, Jakai Mason, Christian Mason, and Kaniyah West, whom she was raising; her siblings: Kay (George) Christian, Beverly "Bea" Mason, William "Bill" (Elvia) Strother, Richard (Jeanette Andrews) Strother, and Norma (Fred) Garner; her closest friend Candy Meiler; and multiple nieces, nephews, "adopted kids" and other friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 12, 2021, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, immediately followed by the funeral service, at Gregory-Martin Chapel and Life Event Center, 255 S. 7th Street, Steubenville, OH 43952. Streaming will be available on the Gregory-Martin Funeral Home Facebook page: facebook.com/gregorymartinfh. Burial will take place at Union Cemetery.