Emma Lou (short for LouVeda) Bannister was born on December 27,1923 to the parentage of Mr. Henry Lowe and Mrs. Martha Lowe in Sylvester, Georgia. She was one of 12 children, with four brothers and seven sisters. Her parents and all her siblings preceded her in death.

A Time to Live

With only a second-grade education she set out into the world to find a path of her own. Somewhere along the way she met Jesus and received Him as her LORD and Savior. She took His hand and never let go and never looked back.

On March 31,1941 she married Fred D. Bannister, of Perry, Georgia; who preceded her in death in August of 1998. Together, she and her husband joined Saint James C.M.E. Church of Perry and built a life of faithful service to both the church and the community. In the early years, she sang in the choir, served as a Stewardess, and was a member of the Missionary Board. Later, she had the opportunity to serve with the Feed My Sheep ministry, which bridged the gap between the church and the community. Before stepping down, she served as a greeter for many years. In 2017, at the age of 94, she renewed her confession of faith and was baptized again at Saint James C.M.E. Church.

She was full of life, very creative, encouraging, and kind. One of her gifts was the ministry of helps; she would help anyone if she was able, and she never met a stranger. She loved to cook and garden and was always willing to teach others what she had learned. She was very funny and had a gift for witty one-liners. Laughter, she believed, was good for the soul.

A Time to Die

On Tuesday July 14, 2026, surrounded by family, she was welcomed into her heavenly home.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

A Time to Remember

She was preceded in death by sons; Fred Bannister, Jr. and his wife (Gisela), Billy R. Bannister, and Larry K. Bannister.

The legacy of her life is left to Laverne Friday (Gene) of Warner Robins, GA., Charles Bannister of Boston, MA., Paulette Bannister of Warner Robins, GA., Annette Thompson of Kansas City, KS., and Agnes Killens of Fort Valley, GA. Also left to cherish her memory, are 20 grandchildren, 26 great grands, nieces and nephews. As well as others that were very dear and close to her.

Funeral Service

Jul

24

St James CME

1007 WF Ragin Dr
Perry , GA 31069

12:00 PM