Ottie Weems Bankston

Ottie Weems Bankston, age 87, of Laurel, MS, stepped into glory on March 24, 2025 at her home. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025, followed by funeral services at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, both at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel, MS. Ottie was born on May 24, 1937, in Carthage, MS, to J.O. and Bessie Myers Weems. She was a graduate of Ellisville High School. After high school, she went to work for BellSouth Telephone Company, where she worked for 35 years. She began her career as a telephone operator and retired as a frame attendant. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers. She married Frank “Shorty” Bankston on December 1, 1956. She was a faithful member of First Assembly of God Church and Evangel Temple. She enjoyed fishing trips with her husband, word puzzles, quilting, flower gardening, and watching hummingbirds. She found her greatest joy in being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She embraced these roles wholeheartedly, cherishing every moment spent with her loved ones and ensuring they always felt deeply cared for. Known for her unwavering love and generosity, she took great pride in showering her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with affection, wisdom, and, of course, plenty of spoiling. She was preceded in death by her parents, J.O. and Bessie Myers Weems; sisters, Lillie Mae Patrick, Geneva Mansell, and Ruth Malone; and brothers, Clarence “Buddy” Weems, Jimmie Lee Weems, and Terry J. Weems. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Frank “Shorty” Bankston; daughters, Debbie (Ed) Haas and Deidra (Marlan) Baucum; grandchildren, Haleigh (Brett) Barlow, Hannah (Luke) Rayner, Daniel (Abbey) Haas, and Bryant (fiancée Emma) Baucum; great-grandchildren, Claire and Finleigh Barlow, Camden Kitchens, Colton, Riley, and Cooper Haas; sister, Faye Sumrall-Wolgamott; caregiver, Cynthia McGee; and a host of nieces and nephews, to whom she was affectionately known as Aunt Bug. The funeral service will be officiated by her nephew, Reverend Reggie Weems of Johnson City, TN. Pallbearers will be grandsons Bryant Baucum, Daniel Haas, Brett Barlow, and Luke Rayner, and nephews Sammy Mansell Jr. and Scott Weems. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 2118 Hwy 184 East, Laurel, MS. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Ottie Weems Bankston

May 24, 1937 - March 24, 2025