Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-04-21

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LADY FANNIE LEE "MOTHA" BANKS

Context

On 2026-04-21, Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LADY FANNIE LEE "MOTHA" BANKS" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E352] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LADY FANNIE LEE ``MOTHA'' BANKS ______ HON. LOIS FRANKEL of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Lady Fannie Lee ``Motha'' Banks, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 90. A devoted wife and ministry partner, she served her community faithfully alongside her husband, Bishop Sylvester Banks, Sr., for over 70 years. Together, they established The Bible Church of God, Inc. in Boynton Beach, Florida. She was a spiritual mother to 24 churches across the United States, including many in Florida's Palm Beach County, and served as a National Mother for over eight years. Her impact was deeply felt throughout Boynton Beach and Delray Beach, where her life and service touched countless lives. The last of sixteen children, she was also the devoted mother of fourteen. Her remarkable legacy lives on through more than 160 descendants--grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great- grandchildren--as well as a host of church members, extended family, and dear friends whose lives she touched. One of her most cherished gifts was her ability to make each person feel uniquely seen and valued--even in a crowded room. She was instrumental to Mr. Banks, Sr.'s many accomplishments, including the honor of receiving the Key to the City of Boynton Beach. An entrepreneur at heart, she owned a successful soul food restaurant in Boynton Beach and later operated a beloved bakery and pastry business, earning admiration and loyal support from customers across the country. The legacy of Lady Fannie Lee ``Motha'' Banks will forever live on in the hearts she touched, the lives she nurtured, and the faith she so powerfully demonstrated. Her love, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to family and her church will continue to inspire generations to come. Please join me in honoring the memory of Lady Banks for her extraordinary contributions to countless communities and her enduring impact. May her memory be a blessing. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LADY FANNIE LEE "MOTHA" BANKS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E352] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LADY FANNIE LEE ``MOTHA'' BANKS ______ HON. LOIS FRANKEL of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Lady Fannie Lee ``Motha'' Banks, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 90. A devoted wife and ministry partner, she served her community faithfully alongside her husband, Bishop Sylvester Banks, Sr., for over 70 years. Together, they established The Bible Church of God, Inc. in Boynton Beach, Florida. She was a spiritual mother to 24 churches across the United States, including many in Florida's Palm Beach County, and served as a National Mother for over eight years. Her impact was deeply felt throughout Boynton Beach and Delray Beach, where her life and service touched countless lives. The last of sixteen children, she was also the devoted mother of fourteen. Her remarkable legacy lives on through more than 160 descendants--grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great- grandchildren--as well as a host of church members, extended family, and dear friends whose lives she touched. One of her most cherished gifts was her ability to make each person feel uniquely seen and valued--even in a crowded room. She was instrumental to Mr. Banks, Sr.'s many accomplishments, including the honor of receiving the Key to the City of Boynton Beach. An entrepreneur at heart, she owned a successful soul food restaurant in Boynton Beach and later operated a beloved bakery and pastry business, earning admiration and loyal support from customers across the country. The legacy of Lady Fannie Lee ``Motha'' Banks will forever live on in the hearts she touched, the lives she nurtured, and the faith she so powerfully demonstrated. Her love, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to family and her church will continue to inspire generations to come. Please join me in honoring the memory of Lady Banks for her extraordinary contributions to countless communities and her enduring impact. May her memory be a blessing. ____________________