Linda Geneva Banks Winfrey

On August 30th, 2025, the Lord welcomed home His faithful daughter into eternal rest, Linda Geneva Banks Winfrey of Champaign.

She was born on October 29th,1949 to Dawson Banks Jr and Nellie Mae Banks, who lovingly raised her in faith and family. She grew up alongside her siblings, Jacqueline D. McCall, Toni A. Freeman, Dawson Banks III and Julia E. Bennett and though Toni A. Freeman and Dawson Banks III, as well as her parents, passed before her, the bond they shared was everlasting.

Linda spent many years working at the University of Illinois before eventually retiring. Even after retirement, she enjoyed keeping busy and moving at her own pace. She loved hopping on the bus to visit her favorite places around town, especially the Champaign and Urbana libraries, where she could spend hours exploring movies, cookbooks, and anything else that caught her interest.

She had a talent for finding the best deals and treasures—whether clothes, accessories, shoes, or little knickknacks that she used to decorate her home with care. She also owned a beautiful collection of elephants, her favorite animal, which brought her much joy.

In her quiet moments, Linda enjoyed puzzles, word finds, and reading. Her home reflected this love, with stacks of books and a large collection of reading glasses—each pair as unique as she was. She also delighted in taking pictures, capturing moments big and small.

Linda was a natural problem solver, always ready with a remedy—whether for a stubborn cold or simply for a hard day. Her presence brought comfort, joy, and practical wisdom to those around her.

She lived faithfully, loving God and family above all. She embodied her favorite phrase: “live life to the fullest.” She poured her heart into her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, cousins, and sisters, leaving behind a legacy of love, happiness, and devotion.

Those who knew her will remember her for her warm smile, her comforting words, her strength through trials, and her deep devotion to both God and family. Her life reflected Proverbs 31:28: “Her children arise and call her blessed.”

She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory: her sisters, Jacqueline D. (LeeRoy) McCall and Julia E. Bennett, children, C. Makau Winfrey, Joy A Winfrey, Noel A. Winfrey and Nya E. (Kenneth) Turner, her grandchildren, Kyarra G. Moore, Jeffrey G. Moore, Aciya N. Winfrey, Kenai J. Turner, Dorian AD Turner, and Myda E. Turner, great-grandchild, Isaiah K. Moore-Mitchell, 34 nieces and nephews and a host of cousins, relatives and friends. Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with her parents, brother, and sister, and resting safely in the arms of the Father.

Her journey on earth has ended, but her light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.

A celebration of life will commence at 12:00 noon Monday September 8, 2025 at Bethel AME Church. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am until the time of the service. Interment: Mount Hope Cemetery.

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