Page created by: Christina Banks

Frederica M. B. Banks passed away on October 20, 2016, at her residence in Washington DC, at the age of 93, with her granddaughter and constant companion, Christina Banks, by her side. Freddie, as she was so affectionately called, was born in July of 1923 in DC.

A longtime DC resident, she graduated from Cardozo Sr. High School and, later, from North Carolina Central University at Durham with an Associate's Degree in Business Administration and Certificate in Commerce. Following college, Frederica joined the war effort in the capacity of a stenographer for the Civil Aeronautics Administration and, later, with the Maritime Commission where she was awarded a War Service Certificate by the Chairman, War Shipping Administration.

Frederica chose to honor her parents and family through academic and professional excellence. Her greatest ambition when she was in high school was "to become a top-notch secretary." Fate, however, had far more in store for her. In 1947, Frederica was selected by the Civil Service Commission to serve as clerk typist/stenographer for the Board of Appeals and Review. In this capacity, she was exposed to a myriad of cases and, by virtue of that exposure, developed a fascination and passion for the law. Driven by higher aspirations and an insatiable appetite for knowledge, Frederica embarked on a journey of self-education that ultimately led to her elevation to the position of Appeals Officer. Over the course of her 36-year career, she received numerous awards, promotions, and letters of commendation for sustained high quality performance and other reasons. She had finally found her niche. By the time she retired in 1979, she had reached the pinnacle of her profession as Senior Appeals Officer - Administrative Law Judge with the newly created Merit System Protection Board where she adjudicated cases involving allegations of discrimination and prohibited personnel practices. Frederica was so highly regarded among her peers that, after her retirement, she was recalled by the MSPB to act for twelve weeks as an on-job training couch for more junior and less experienced members of the professional staff. Even after retirement, she never lost interest in law; she frequently engaged in doctrinal discussions regarding contemporary cases of public notoriety, and compared them to historical cases in which she was once personally involved.

Frederica's life was not all work and no play. She was a Financial Secretary and life-long member of Zion Baptist Church of Eastland Gardens/Deanwood. She was also a patron and member of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs; the Rosa L. Gragg Flower Club; and the Washington and Vicinity Federation of Women's Clubs, serving at various times in the capacity of President, Secretary, and Treasurer. For many years she was an avid bowler, and an accomplished gardener, landscape painter, cross-stitcher, and puzzler, until Parkinson's disease made many of these activities difficult or impossible. However, she read the daily newspaper, religiously, right up to the time of her passing, and had become quite the political pundit, always ready to proffer her personal opinion, insight and potential resolutions. Her judgment was impeccable and her advice consistently sagacious.

Frederica loved all who entered her life and was loved by all. She left a positive, indelible impression on the hearts and minds of many who had never even formally met her, as well as, those who had known her since childhood. She was quiet and reserved -- a self-described introvert -- yet, confident, engaging and personable to all who knew her. She was trusting and universally trusted. Frederica was seen as a pillar of integrity and leadership in the community, a positive role model and stabilizing influence.

As a child of the Great Depression, she learned the value of frugality and financial restraint. It was this experience that taught her the importance of passing on blessings. A more generous, sharing and selfless individual cannot be found anywhere. She had at least a dozen favorite charities, literally. Perhaps more important, Frederica gave of herself to all who needed and would accept her support -- morally, spiritually, intellectually, and otherwise -- there is not a single member of the Banks-Barksdale family who has not been touched by her generosity.

In 1947, she met and fell in love with one Robert Banks, a decorated veteran of World War II. He was her one and only soul mate; she loved him deeply because, in her words, "he only had eyes for her." Frederica and Robert were united in holy matrimony on March 21, 1947, at Zion Baptist Church of Deanwood. Their love and marriage endured and grew unfettered for 39 years until Robert's death in 1986. Frederica never remarried. From this marriage, four children were born: Robert, Karen, Eric and Kevin. In addition to her children, Frederica leaves to mourn her nine grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, two great, great grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

There are so many facets of Frederica that we'll miss but what we'll miss most of all is her sharp wit and infectious laugh.