Bernard Sheaffer Banks

Bernard Sheaffer Banks, 53, of Worcester passed away Thursday July 5th in the Veterans Medical Center, West Roxbury after an illness. Mr. Banks, the son of the late Sheaffer Banks Sr, and Blondell (Dickerson) McDuffie was born on October 23rd 1958 in Columbus Georgia. He graduated from Columbus High School, joined the U.S. Army in 1977 and served for the next 7 years before honorably discharging in 1984. He then attended Columbus State University, where he was a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, moving to Worcester in 2006 where he met and married on May 7th 2007 the love of his life and devoted wife for the last 15 years, Rita C. Hart. He continued his education studying as a computer analyst at Quinsigamond Community College and has lived here ever since. Bernard is survived to cherish his memories his wife, Rita C. Hart; a son, Ralph Weah; his niece and considered "Little Princess" Rochelle Teyana Vincent of Worcester; his step- father who raised him, Henry McDuffie, Jr. in Columbus, Ga; his brother, Ronald Keith McDuffie in Fayetteville, NC: sister, Yvette Debro of Phenix City, Al; his aunt, Mattie Jones; nieces and nephews including Monique B. Clayton, Claitia K. Powell and Cedrick K. McDuffie; a close cousin Cynthia Jones; many other extended family and friends. Mr. Banks worked as a Lab Technician for several area laboratories before retiring due to illness. He was a member of the Higher Power Outreach Church in Alabama. Mr. Banks enjoyed cooking, computers and especially his family. Life was complete with his wife and family around him. They gave him enjoyment and inspiration. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family, Thursday July 19th from 4 pm to 8 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am Friday July 20th in the funeral home. His friend and pastor Johnnie C. Robinson, Jr. from Columbus, Ga Burial with Military honors will be in Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery in Winchendon.