Karen Alethea Banks

“Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.”

Proverbs 31:30 

Karen Alethea Banks, age 57, of Flowery Branch, Georgia passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Karen is survived by her husband, Doug Banks of Flowery Branch; son, Jacob Banks of Flowery Branch; Mother-in-law, Annie Ruth Banks of Demorest; brothers and sister, Rodney (Paige) Knight of Gainesville, Randy (Regina) Coker of Clarkesville, Larry Coker of Clarksville, Cindy (Allen) Holcomb of Demorest, Sister-in-law, Denise (Roger) Williams of Clarkesville and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Jordan Banks, parents Odell and Doris Coker, and father-in-law, Vermon Banks, maternal grandparents, Lewis and Valarie Ivester and biological father, Robert Knight.

Karen loved to serve others in many ways and she would meet people right where they were and love them unconditionally. Karen was an active member of Chestnut Mountain Church and so loved her church family. She smiled and loved with her whole heart and it was beautiful. Her quiet strength, grace and love made an impact on everyone lucky enough to be on the receiving end of it. She was a difference maker and not an excuse maker. She fought hard up to the very end and never complained. Karen will be missed greatly by her family and all of her friends!

She retired from University of North Georgia where she was a vital part of the Human Resources Department where her work ethic was second to none. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Memorial Park South Chapel with internment following at Memorial Park South Cemetery. Rev. Greg Worley and Rev. Jason Lester will officiate. The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. prior to the service at Memorial Park South Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to  Chestnut Mountain Church, 4903 Chestnut Mountain Cir, Flowery Branch, GA 30542.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Parkway Flowery Branch, GA 30542 is in charge of arrangements. Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.

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