Jenell Banks

Jenell Banks, age 87, of Hazard, Kentucky, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday-September 16, 2026. Jenell was born on October 1, 1938, in Hazard, Kentucky, to the late Beatrice Saylors Epperson. She was a devoted member of Butterfly Church of the Living God, where she loved to sing and cherished her dear friend Judy Couch and all her church family. In addition to her mother, Jenell was preceded in death by her significant other, Jess Wooten; her youngest son, Paul Banks; her daughter-in-law, Mickey Banks, whom she loved like a daughter; two sisters, Wanda Walker and Helen Clark; and her dear friends, Zola Holland and Maxine Barnett.

She is survived by one sister, Wilma Jean Smith (Bulin Straighter); four sons, Kenny Banks of Huntsville, Tennessee, and Mark, Rick, and Cecil Banks of Hazard, Kentucky. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kim Bridges (Jason), Kendra Bowling (Anthony), Natasha Daugherty (Zach), Mallorie Gross (Austin), Paula Kay, Ricky Ray, Chelsea, John Paul, Regina, and Amber Banks. “Mamaw Banks,” as she was lovingly called, was also blessed with several great-grandchildren who adored her, including Johnathan, Abby, and Jake Bridges, and Rilie Bowling. Jenell was loved by many. The family would like to give special thanks to her nephew, Troy Walker (Tammy); her niece, Janice Brown; and Pauline Johnson, Evalene Gross, Pam Banks, and Dennis Howard for the love, kindness, and care they showed her.

Serving as pallbearers will be Anthony Bowling, Johnathan Bridges, Charles Brewer, Bulin Straighter, Ricky Banks, and Zach Daugherty.

Arrangements are being handled by Engle-Bowling Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home, with Brother Mike Eversole officiating. Interment will follow at Brewer Cemetery.