On Monday, December 11, 2023, an angel of the Lord summoned Chekesha Makini Banks home. She was born on March 17, 1976 in Long Branch, New Jersey to Mary L Banks. She was brought up in the Methodist Church and was baptized at Trinity A.M.E. Church. She attended Monmouth Regional High School where she was a very well known, outgoing student. Kay was a cheerleader, a member of the cross country team, and active in numerous clubs throughout her high school years. She was also named homecoming queen and winter ball queen. Kay graduated in June of 1994. Soon after, she welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Zyeeria (Zy) Maniqkue King, which prompted her to then join the military.
Kay served four years in the US Army from 1995 to 1999, where she had an illustrious career. She was trained to be a combat medic and in infantry. She even tried becoming airborne, which sadly was unable to complete, due to an injury to her ankle while jumping from a C-130 aircraft. In addition, Kay did a tour in Korea, where she served in the choir to honor fallen troops. After Korea, she married and completed her military service in Fort Irwin, California. Later, Kay became a Texan and welcomed two sons, Ashur Joseph White and Joseph Titus White.
After the military, Kay attended Houston Baptist University and San Jacinto College where she received her Associates Degree and a number of certificates. After college, Kay began a long career as a clerk for the US Postal Service. Kay enjoyed her job to the fullest. She was always recognized for her work, ability get the highest scores during the secret shopper exercises, customers always bragging out her superb niceness to them, and her coworkers loved her. Her name is definitely fitting for her. Kay brought joy and humor to everyone she encountered.
Kay was also very selfless. She would give her last to help any of her loved ones. She also enjoyed going on long drives with the windows down and blasting the music. She was a kid at heart. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and enjoyed taking them on long walks to the park. To look at her you wouldn't think it, but she was very handy and took pride in fixing things herself.
Kay was also very adventurous. When she wasn't traveling to New Jersey to see family and friends, she traveled to random states to sightsee. She was very close with her children.
She loved taking them to the movies. And she always looked forward to having her daughter Zy braid her hair; Even while battling cancer, she kept a smile on her face and remained resilient and positive throughout her battle.
Chekesha White is preceded in death by her grandmother, Addie Williams and aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Chekesha leaves to cherish her mother, Mary L Banks; sister, LaKema Andrews; brother, Hilton Banks; daughter, Zyeeria King; sons, Ashur and Joesph White; grandsons Zachary Thomas and Cedrick Gibson, Jr; granddaughter Clover Gibson, seven nieces, one nephew, and a hosts of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.