Jessie Faye Banks, 90, of Pueblo West, passed away peacefully at her home in the early hours of February 20. She was born to Carl and Emma Banks on August 20, 1935, in Lindsay, Okla.
She was a resident of Pueblo for over 60 years. Jessie was a pioneer for women's sports in every way. Growing up in Lindsay, at a time when women were not allowed to participate in sports, she played a variety of games, primarily her beloved basketball, alongside boys' teams
After graduating from high school, Jessie played professional basketball for the "All-American Redheads" between 1954 and 1959. She was at the induction ceremony as the team was enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., in 2012.
She is a member of six Hall of Fames - Lindsay High School, the Colorado Coaches of Girls' Sports, the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, the Greater Pueblo Sports, the Colorado State University Pueblo Athletics (charter member in 2008), and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association. The female athlete of the year award at CSU Pueblo is named in honor of Jessie.
After earning degrees from Central State College (Edmond, Okla., bachelor's) and Adams State University (Alamosa, Colo., master's), Jessie secured a teaching position at Southern Colorado State College (now CSU Pueblo), where she taught PE classes and eventually became the school's first coach for women's basketball and volleyball. She was also the softball and track-and-field coach and served as an Assistant Athletic Director.
In addition to her coaching and teaching duties, Jessie played an instrumental role in developing the Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (CIAW, founded in 1967) and the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW, founded in 1971).
After retiring, Jessie was a dedicated volunteer for Sangre de Cristo Community Care. She also shared her love for the Colorado mountains with friends and family by hosting them at her cabin in Westcliffe.
Although she will be remembered for her love for her family, especially her brothers, her love for her dogs, and her love for the Denver Broncos, her legacy will be championing women in sports and for her impact on the countless lives of students and athletes.
Jessie is survived by three nieces, Robbie Black (Erick), Amee Banks, and Kristin Brewer (Scott), and one nephew, Justin Banks (Heather), five great-nieces and five great-nephews, five great-grand-nieces (one of which is due in August), and one great-grand-nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Emma Banks, brothers Rev. James (Butch) Banks (Ramona) and Hershel (Cotton) Banks (Sandi), and niece Jamilyn Banks.
In lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be made to the CSU Pueblo Foundation (2200 Bonforte Boulevard, Pueblo, CO 81001) to support the Jessie Banks Scholarship Fund. Online donations can be made at:
https://csupueblofoundation.com/news-events/jessie-banks-scholarship-fund/.
PLEASE NOTE: A Celebration of Life honoring Jessie Banks will be held on Monday, April 13, at CSU Pueblo's OSC Ballroom, adjacent to Massari Arena. A social gathering begins at 5:30 p.m. in the OSC Ballroom lobby, where guests are invited to reconnect, share memories, and view a display of photos and memorabilia celebrating Jessie's remarkable life and legacy. Light hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be provided. The Celebration of Life program will begin at 6 p.m. in the OSC Ballroom, where we will reflect on Jessie's lasting impact on our campus, community, and the many student-athletes whose lives she shaped. The Banks family invites all who knew Jessie, played for her, worked alongside her, or wish to honor her legacy to join us for this special evening celebrating an extraordinary woman who meant so much to CSU Pueblo and to so many people.
