With humble respect, Sewell Mortuary in Grantville announces the transition of Gerald Bankston on June 28th, 2025.

Funeral service will be Saturday, July 5th, 2025, at 1:30 PM at Shiloh Baptist Church, Hwy 54, Hogansville, Ga.

Public viewing will be from 5 to 7 PM Thursday July 3rd at Sewell Mortuary.

Life is a journey – a sacred path we each must walk. Along the way, we leave footprints of love, service, laughter, and legacy. Gerald Bankston began his earthly journey on Monday, September 28, 1959, born to George Bankston and Charlie Mae Sims in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was the youngest brother out of 4 siblings and was often referred to as "the baby brother" or "the baby boy". As he evolved on his journey, it was evident he loved his family, friends, and most importantly, God. He was kind and compassionate to all he encountered. He was blessed to enter into holy matrimony to the love of his life, Kathy Bankston for 27 years. Together, they built a home of faith, laughter, devotion, and unconditional love. He shared an extraordinary and unbreakable bond with his only daughter (his baby girl), who was the joy of his life. Their bond was rooted in love and trust. His joy only multiplied with the addition of his grandkids. Whether sharing laughs, singing, wisdom, or simple quiet moments, Gerald found pure happiness in being "Papa." His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he treasured every moment spent with them. At an early age, he accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and joined Shiloh Baptist Church, where he remained a faithful member throughout his life. He served in full capacity across various ministries, always with a willing heart and humble spirit. His most prominent role was Chairman of the Deacons, a position he held with great integrity, spiritual wisdom, and unwavering dedication. Gerald's love for the Lord and commitment to the church community touched countless lives. Those preceding him in death in additional to his grandson, Nylan Sinkfield, were his parents, George Bankstaon and Charlie Mae Sims; his grandparents, Samuel and Lugenia Winchester, Alfonzia Simpson Sr. and Luella Bankston; 7 aunts and 2 uncles. His memories live on in the hearts and minds of his wife, Kathy Bankston; daughter, Tania (Tony) Sinkfield; stepsons, Darius Avery and Tory Avery; godsons, Adrian Griffin and Michael Taylor Jr.; grandchildren, ILayah Thomas, Nova Sinkfield, Toryana Avery, and Angel Garrett; brothers, Jake Sims and Larry Sims; sister, Althea Bankston-Brown; aunts, Mary Thornton, Ida Bohanan, and Marie Bankston-Simpson; uncle, Ivy Foster; mother-in-love, Imogene Todd; brothers-in-love, William Smith and Raymond Smith; nieces, Nakisha Huling, Apryl Copeland, Ebony Collier, Tasia (Michael) Motin, and Shanta (Keith) Slaton; nephews, Vinson (Shawanda) Sims, Larry (Adrean) Sims; a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, and an abundance of special friends. A proud graduate of Heard County High School, he dedicated 34 years of service to Milliken (Live Oak Plant) and later worked with the Troup County School System, retiring honorably from both careers. On June 28, 2025, he peacefully completed his earthly journey and entered eternal rest at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center. His steps were guided by faith, marked by kindness, and remembered by all who had the blessing to walk beside him

Sewell Mortuary is honored to be entrusted with providing end-of-life services to the family of Gerald Bankston.