Alice Banks Obituary

BANKS, Alice CAMDEN, SC - Alice Ray Cabaniss Banks, 71, died Wednesday, June 14, 2006. A poet, writer, and teacher, she was born in Ulmers, SC, the daughter of the late James Jefferson and Edwarda Dickinson Ray. She received her Bachelors of Art Degree from Winthrop University, her Masters degree from the Citadel, and her PH. D. in American Literature from the University of South Carolina. She served as President of the League of Women Voters in Charleston in the 1960's and as a Poet-in-Residence for the South Carolina Arts Commission in the '70s and '80's. She taught at Wando High School, the University of South Carolina, the University of Mississippi, the College of Charleston and other institutions. A collection of her poems, "The Dark Bus and Other Forms of Transport" was published in 1974. She edited the poetry magazine "Tinderbox" and initiated the Sundown Poetry reading series at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Surviving are her husband, Oneil M. Banks, Ph. D.; sons, Stephen Cabaniss of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Thomas Cabaniss of New York City, and Henry Cabaniss of Charlotte, NC; and five grandsons. She was predeceased by her sister Jane Ray Kennedy. She was previously married to Joseph W. Cabaniss and Jack Bass, both of Charleston. A memorial service will be held Sunday, June 25 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Timothy's Lutheran Church, 1301 Mill Street in Camden. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.