Stella Ann Bankston

When I’ve Gone the Last Mile of the Way

Stella Ann Carter was born on October 21, 1943, to Frenchie Mae Morgan and Irving Carter in Los Angeles, California. She was raised in a loving household by her grandparents, Leta and George Bowie, alongside her mother, Frenchie. As the eldest of eight children, she took on a nurturing role early in life, caring deeply for her siblings.

Stella attended school in Los Angeles, California. Her education commenced at 92nd Street Elementary where she excelled in mathematics. She attended Markham Junior High and graduated from Jordan High School. She attended Compton Community College and earned her certification as a licensed child care provider. Stella demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit early in life. She owned and operated a home day care center for over 15 years. Stella was a fashionista. She put her love for shopping to good use and became a professional personal fashion shopper for women. She believed in supporting her community and was an advocate for civil rights. She demonstrated this by participating as an active member of the National Council of Negro Women and the NAACP. Stella also served as a Custody Specialist with the San Bernadino Sheriff Department and as a customer service representative with the Southern California Gas Company.

At the age of 10, Stella was baptized at the 92nd Street Church under the late Rev. Arnold, marking the beginning of her lifelong devotion to faith. She was a passionate choir singer, lending her voice to True Faith Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Wilbert Wade. In 1972, she joined Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor B.T. Newman. After moving to Hesperia, California in 1995, she became a member of First Missionary Baptist Church. She reunited with Citizens of Zion, where six generations of her family had worshipped. Even while living in Hesperia, she remained active in her faith community, joining Emmanuel Temple under the watchful care of Pastor James E. Markham. In 2017, Stella relocated to Las Vegas Nevada with her daughter and son-in-law. She united with Second Baptist Church and continued to serve in ministry. 

Stella served the Lord as a missionary throughout her life. She served as a Sunday School Teacher, Wedding Coordinator, Teacher and Supervisor for the Young Ladies Auxiliary, providing food and clothing to those in need -Keepers of the Storehouse and volunteer counseling with the California Department of Corrections and Gang Awareness. She actively participated in the Mission Circle, and a host of other ministries, including the Mothers’, Women’s, Sunday School, Music and Ageless Wonders. 

Stella transitioned from her earthly life into her eternal life on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. She is preceded in death by her father, Irving Carter; her mother, Frenchie Andrews; her grandmother, Leta Henry and grandfather, Walter Bowie; her brothers Walter Grier and Willie Andrews.

Stella was a woman defined by her love for others. She cherished her family deeply. She is survived by her two children, Sonja Renee Bankston-Cullen (William Bernard) and Anthony George Bankston, two grandsons, William Cullen II and Aaron Cullen, who were the pride and joy of her life. Her siblings, Loleta Bell, Frances Andrews, Donald Andrews, Cynthia Andrews and Belinda Andrews; her sister-in-laws, Frankie Andrews; Jewel Rodgers, Jennifer Allen, Yolanda Grimes, Mattie Grier and Angela Bankston, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. 

Stella's legacy is one of service, compassion, and unwavering faith. She sought to help others at every turn, offering words of encouragement, a song to lift the spirit, or simply her time and talents. She believed that if even one person was touched or uplifted by her efforts, then her life had not been in vain. Stella dedicated her life to being a vessel for God's work—not perfect, but always striving to be of service. She was profoundly grateful for God's mercy and felt blessed to know He loved her, every day of her life.

In her final act of giving, Stella donated her body to science, ensuring that even in death, she could contribute to the well-being of others. Her soul now rests with God and her spirit remains with those who knew her. She leaves us with a message of gratitude and a call to remember the good, forgive the bad, and trust in the promise of reunion in that great morning to come. Until then, she asks that God be with you all.