Margaret Jean Taylor

October 26, 1959 - June 21, 2019

Margaret Jean Taylor was born Monday, October 26, 1959 in West Memphis, Arkansas to Joseph Taylor and Freddie Jones. Margaret relocated to Chicago, Illinois in the early 1960’s, where she graduated from James H. Bowen High School in 1977. Margaret dedicated her life to the lord as a teen. She was an avid church goer. She loved the lord and had a calling for Ministry. Margaret was a member of countless churches. She loved her church family. In recent years, Margaret joined the 5 a.m. & 6 a.m. prayer line, forever she found a sisterhood in Christ. Margaret married Bernard Banks in February of 1980, they welcomed four children Lashunda, Moneeka, Tiffany, and Corey. On May 30,1988, Margaret married Lamont Palmer and they welcomed a daughter Lamonica. In 1993, Margaret received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Chicago State University. In April of 1996, Margaret married Freddie Smith and they welcomed three children into their lives Tiffany, Ramsey, and DeMichael raising them as their own. Margaret dedicated her life to the work Social Services and helping others. She worked as a Social Worker for more than 20 years. Margaret worked at Countryside Healthcare Facility from 1997- 2015, where she touched countless lives aa and created long-lasting friendships. Margaret J. Banks-Smith was granted her angel wings on June 21, 2019. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Margaret touched throughout her short, yet very memorable life. Her mother, brother Willie Jones and cousin Jean Roberts preceded her in death. Margaret is survived by her loving father Joseph Taylor and stepmother Mable Ann Taylor; sisters Faye Calvin-Gee (DeWitt) and MaryJackson (Joe Sr.); eight children Lashunda Coleman, Moneeka Banks, Tiffany Brewster (Edward), Corey Banks (Kyree), Lamonica Anderson (Rodney), Tiffany Smith, Ramsey Smith, and DeMichael Smith; seventeen grandchildren Dalija, Jeremiah, D’Shawn, Aria, Damari, Allana, Willie, London, Darius, Aris, Destiny, Jayden, Kirynn, Kendall, Jordan, Aryn, and Janiah; nieces Konosha (Carl), Frederika (Marcus), and Brandy (Charles); nephews: Marcus (Gina), Marshun, Joe Jr, (Pam), Anthonie (Arilla) Willie Jr., and Sean; great-nephews Ezekiel, Jakari, Keisean, and Anthonie Jr.; great-nieces: Saniah, Sariyah, and Sanaa; a very special aunt, Jerline Moore (Nathaniel); uncle Jerry Mimes Jr.; cousins Melanie, Al (Yolanda), Yolanda Moore, Mary Ann, Roosevelt, Carolyn, and David Brown; a very special sister/friend Trudy Lockhart; and a host of family, friends, and extended church family.