Betty “Bangs” Banks Erwin

Betty “Bangs” Banks Erwin passed away peacefully Friday, February 24, 2017. Born December 8, 1931, she was the only child of John Esby Banks and Jo Tate Coffey Banks Briggs. She was preceded in death by their son, Edward Hunt Erwin (Eddie) June 22, 1988, husband, Lawrence “E” Erwin Jr. May 16, 2000, and their daughter Joan Banks Erwin October 9, 2011.
She is survived by a son, John Tate Erwin, and his wife, Mary Frye Erwin, of Burlington, NC, their sons, William “Will” Edward Erwin and John “Jack” Lawrence Erwin and Joan’s sons, Daniel “Dan” Erwin Entmacher and Devin Ross Entmacher. Her four grandsons were the love of her life!
Bangs was born in Morganton’s Grace Hospital, was baptized in the old Presbyterian Church and became a member in 1946. After graduating from Morganton High School in 1949, Bangs attended Peace College in Raleigh, King’s Business College in Charlotte and worked for WBTV in Charlotte. Bangs and E were married at the Presbyterian Church on June 13, 1953. At First Presbyterian Church Bangs served as a Sunday School teacher, children’s committee member, Three Ring Circus committee member, initiated Chrismon workshops in her home, participated in women’s circles, visited rest homes, transported the sick and worked in the church office. On May 16, 2004, Bangs was awarded an Honorary Life Membership in Women of the Church.
Beyond the church walls Bangs administered hearing screenings for newborns and rocked the premature babies at Grace Hospital. She was active in Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. Bangs was a charter member of the Morganton Service League and volunteered many years at the Foothills Mental Health Clinic, becoming so invaluable that they hired her. Bangs and E were inspired to become foster parents to dozens of babies and one teenager over the course of ten years where these children thrived and “experienced the warmth and love of their home.” Bangs was active in many activities at Grace Ridge Retirement Center including sewing for the sick children at Grace Hospital and volunteering in the library.
Her favorite past times other than being with family and her many friends were reading, hiking the mountains, spending time at the beach in winter, playing bridge and laughter. Bangs was a devoted mother, wife, grandmother, mother-in-law and friend. Within the framework of her life of faith and service, her strength and courage stand out and have been a testament and example for many.
A graveside service will be held in Morganton at Forest Hill Cemetery Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at 1:00 pm with a celebration of her life following at First Presbyterian Church at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Eddie Erwin Scholarship Fund (Silver Creek Road, Morganton, NC 28655), the Structure Preservation Fund at First Presbyterian Church, Morganton, or to a charity of your choice.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.