Theora Bankhead

Beloved Theora Willis Bankhead was born August 18, 1947 in San Fernando Valley California. She was the eldest of 9 children born to Theodore and Ida Mae Willis. She attended San Fernando Valley High School and graduated in 1965. She went on to pursue a degree at Cal State Northridge. After a brief hiatus, she completed her efforts with a Bachelors of Business from the University of Phoenix in 2007as well as a Masters of Business Administration in December of 2009 which was one of her proudest achievements.

In 1969, she met and married Charles Bernard Bankhead. Together they raised two children, Michael Willis and Rashida Bankhead. They soon moved to Los Angeles and she worked several jobs including but not limited to “ Me Books” and Carnation where she stayed for over 20 years. Later in life she moved to Texas to assist her mother until her passing in 2001. She returned home to California where she was self-employed as an accountant before retiring in 2009. She met her Mary Kay family in 2017 and started her own online business. She enjoyed counseling her family and friends if they reached out to her, She was full of wisdom and knowledge and good advice. No one will ever forget her famous potato salad that was requested at every family gathering.

Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her new lease on life. She rode rollercoasters and attended graduations, births. Holidays and every chance she could with them. Her energy for life was unmatched and her presence will warm the hearts of her family forever!

She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Bankhead, her brother Theopus Willis and sister June Willis. Left to rejoice her life; son, Michael and Theresa Willis. Daughter Rashida Bankhead, brothers, John Willis  and wife Wanda, Theodore Willis and wife Karen, Sterling Willis, Marvin and Melvin Willis, loyal sister, Idalia Willis. Grandchildren, Jamielle Willis, Tiara Marshal, Geara Bankhead, Quincy Willis, Rasheed Bankhead and Mikel Willis. Great grandchildren, Trenton Marshall, Grasen Bankhead, Torin Marshall, Legend Wallace, Micah Bankhead and the much anticipated unborn Erin Dior Guidry. Her faithful companion and loyal pet, Jazzy and a host of aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.