Lelia Mae Delk Banks slipped quietly and peacefully into eternal rest on Thursday, February 25, 2021 following a brief illness.  She was born on December 28, 1947   in Norfolk, Virginia to the late James L. Delk and the late Eleanor Hyman and Luther Hyman.         .

Lelia Mae Banks received her formal education through Norfolk Public Schools.  She was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. Lelia worked at the National Linen Service for over 20 years and at Eastern Virginia Medical School (Security).

It was undoubtedly clear that Lelia appreciated people.  She was affectionately known in the neighborhood as "Security". Anyone who was hungry or needed anything Lelia was there to help. She was known for working in her garden, immaculate flowers, and sitting on the front porch talking to everyone that walked by. Lelia loved CNN news, the Virginian Pilot, and everyone's coupons in the neighborhood. She loved people and she loved to talk and lend a helping hand whenever she could.  A woman of faith with a heart of gold, Lelia was a member of New Calvary Baptist Church (Norfolk, VA). She loved God, her church family, and enjoyed talking to her church buddy Mrs. Lucille Kearney before AND after service. Her signature gift of joy was shown through her constant smile and laughter that will never be forgotten.

With a zest for life and passion for service, Lelia loved to read, pray, and talk especially about her children and grandchildren. Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet and simple spirit that won the trust, love and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of nurturing, love and faith. Lelia enjoyed being a care-taker for her grandchildren and her special grandkids Amari Archer, Leah, and Josh Nichols.

Leila will be remembered as a practical woman filled with insight who loved her family.  She leaves to cherish her precious memories, four daughters, Michelle of Norfolk, Rochelle(Ritchie) of Suffolk, LTC (Ret.) Dachelle of Dumfries, Virginia, Charlene of Norfolk and one son Charles(Paula) of Norfolk; ex husband, Charles R. Banks Sr; and beloved grandchildren, Emmanuel, Zoe, Elijah, Lauren, Tyler, Zada, Zion, and Eleazar.  Lelia was predeceased by her nephew Dr. Carlton Phelps, M.D., who was like a brother to her. She will be truly missed by a host of friends and family.