M. L. "Tank" Banner,of 1214 Queen Anne Rd. Wilson, NC died July 12, 2013 at his residence. The funeral will be held Friday at 1:00pm at St. John AME Zion Church 119 N. Pender Street Wilson, NC with Rev. Dr. Micheal S. Bell officiating and Rev. Dr. T. Janel Dixon, Eulogist. Interment will follow in Resthaven Cemetery. Public viewing will be held Thursday, from 1-5 pm at the funeral home with the family meeting and greeting friends from 6:30 pm to 8:30pm at St. John AME Zion Church. Mr. Banner was a committed civil servant, community activist,friend and family man. He dedicated his life to helping those who were less fortunate and disinfranchaised.His career in state and federal government spanned nearly three decades and focused on giving access and opportuinty to those in need of advocacy and opportuinty. He was a faithful member of St. John AME Zion Church and Omega Psi Phi fraternity as well as several other local organizations. Left to celebrate his memory and legacy are his three children,Charlene Austin (General Lloyd) of Tampa, Fl., Robert Banner (Sheryl) of Hockessin, DE, and Marquita Steadman (Bruce) of Jacksonville, Fl.; his grandchildren Reginald (Tuffy) and Christopher (Shane) Hill, Jeffery and Gianna Banner, Kyle, Candace, and Corey Steadman; and his great grandsons Jacob and Chase Hill. Family and friends are requested to assemble on Friday at 12 noon at the residence for the processional to the church. Professional and personal services are entrusted to EDWARDS FUNERAL HOME 805 E. Nash Street Wilson, NC
Condolences may be directed to edwardscares.com