Chapter Invisible

WILLIE JASPER BANKS, JR., M.D., 81, of Arlington, Virginia, a very proud Spring 1963 initiate of the Virginia Union University Chapter, the Alpha Gamma (E) of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. {3-AΓ -1963 (S)}, entered into Chapter Invisible on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, after a long courageous fight with cancer+.

Brother Banks, a Grand Chapter Life Member, was a dedicated member of our Noble Clan for well over 62 years and a member of the Richmond (VA) Alumni Chapter (E) of Kappa Alpha Psi. He was the second of the family legacy to pledge Kappa. The family tradition includes his brother, the late Rev. Mr. Marshall D. Banks, M.D. {3-AΓ-1960 (S)} (d. 2018), and nephews Adrian P. Anderson, Sr. {4-AΓ-1974 (S), Charter Member of the Virginia Commonwealth University Chapter, the Eta Xi (E) of Kappa Alpha Psi}, Darryl R. Winston, Sr. {1-HΣ-1976 (S)} and nephew/godson, Marshall D. Banks, II {10-RA-2010 (S)}, 30th Past Polemarch of the Richmond (VA) Alumni Chapter (E), and servant within the Eastern Province+.

Brother Banks was born on July 4, 1943, the eleventh of eleven children of Willie J., Sr., and Corrine E. Banks of Richmond, Virginia, and was a product of Richmond Public Schools. He graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School in 1961, where he was a member and officer of the National Honor Society. Enrolling at Virginia Union University, he was awarded a Bachelor of Science in 1965, majoring in Chemistry, and graduating with Honors. After his initiation into Kappa Alpha Psi, he served as the Chapter Polemarch for several years. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi. He was also selected to participate in the first Undergraduate Leadership Conference of Kappa Alpha Psi, and a photograph of this historical occasion remains documented in the “Story of Kappa Alpha Psi”. While at Virginia Union University, he was very active in various organizations, including serving as the President of the Student Government Association, President of the Pan-Hellenic Council, and a recognized member of the Who’s Who In American Colleges and Universities. He later enrolled at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. and received the Doctor of Medicine Degree in 1970, graduating with Honors. Upon completing his internship/residency, he served as an Orthopedic Surgeon, practicing medicine for over 55 years in the Washington, D.C. – Northern Virginia areas, including years of dedicated service at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, one of the largest and most prominent military medical centers in the United States. A lifelong stellar student, Brother Banks continued his educational journey, which included programs at Georgetown University, Yale University School of Medicine, New York University, and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He also served our country as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy.

Brother Banks was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Sr. and Corrine Banks, and his ten beloved older siblings (Ruth, Corrine, Roscoe, Lucy, Evelyn, Juanita, Joan, W. Barbara, Delores, and Marshall). He leaves to mourn a close-knit family of many nieces, nephews, cousins, sister-in-law Silhouette Kathy D. Banks, and many other very close friends.