Omie Jane Banks, 84, of Apopka, Florida, passed away February 02, 2021. She was born October 30, 1936, in McRae, Georgia.
Born in Georgia she spent most of her life in Florida. She worked at the Eagle department store which eventually became Dollar General. She worked with people all the time. Having a tremendous work ethic, setting a good example for others was a part of her daily life. Working hard and diligently to provide for family, she paid special attention to her boys, possibly because they were the youngest of the family.
She believed in a balanced diet, such as balancing a Diet Pepsi with a snickers bar. She also had a soft spot for chicken wings. Apparently Pam’s brother Daniel has a secret recipe that was Omie’s favorite.
Omie enjoyed having her hair and nails done and did enjoy being a proper lady. Being an attractive lady, she would frequently turn heads everywhere she went. Working hard and loving life she enjoyed dancing, good ‘ol country music, roses and camellias. There is a 45 year old camellia bush that she actually had Billy dig up and plant for her in Apopka and then years later dig it up again and move it back to its original location. This camellia must have been very special to her.
Omie enjoyed bingo and quilting with her sisters, there’s even an example that you can take a look at, Joey remembered taking materials to her and her sisters so they could make him a king size quilt, there nothing better than “mom-made” quilts. When it came to bingo, she was very competitive and it sounds like she took winning very seriously.
She loved the beach and New Smyrna was her beach of choice, she would go to the north end near the 3rd Ave. ramp and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
She lived a life of no regrets…at 84 years old… A full life by any measure!
She was a believer in Jesus Christ, attended West Orange Baptist open and easy about her relationship with the Lord. Looking at her old Bible, I noticed the bookmark was placed in Psalms. Maybe some of the last scriptures she read from this bible were psalms 18, 19, 20 or 21. I will let you read through them and speculate, this will be an interesting mystery.
Even near the end, she left an impression on those around her at Sunbelt facilities…leaving them in tears as she left her earthly body.
This next song we’re going to hear could almost quote her words on how to deal with her leaving us.
Omie is survived by her children Carolyn Vickers, Linda Slater, Danny Horton, Joey Horton and Billy Horton; sisters Florence Willard, Evelyn Cleo Gilliland and brother: Richard Watson; grandchildren Dee Dee Bakle, Scott Bakle, Geno Hayes, Jonathan Horton and Darian Horton; great grandchildren Ashley Bakle, Bradley Bakle, Taylor Eggert, Kendra Eggert. Tiffany Gill, Mackiah Hayes and Eliza Hayes as well as four great great grandchildren. She will be missed dearly by her many loved ones and friends.