Elizabeth Ann Wilbanks

Elizabeth Ann Wilbanks, 78, of Commerce passed away June 14, 2013, at her home with her children by her side.

She was born September 24, 1934, the daughter of C. W. and Lola Bell Cox in the South Sulphur community. She married Emmett Boyd Wilbanks on August 20, 1960, and moved to Texarkana, Texas, where they raised their children. Ann worked at the Cotton Belt Hospital as the secretary to the administrator then later as a medical secretary for several doctors; then, she helped open the Texarkana Community Hospital as its Business Office Manager. They returned to Commerce in 1985 and she became the Business Office Manager for Presbyterian Hospital in Commerce where she retired.

She loved taking care of her loved ones, her home and especially her rose bushes and flowers. She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed sewing and crafts. She loved gospel music and played the piano and organ. She was the organist for Westlawn Baptist Church and Wake Village Baptist Church when she lived in Texarkana. She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Commerce.

She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Jon Cartier of Greenville; one son, Kevin Wilbanks of Dallas; one grandson, Alex Cartier of Greenville; two brothers: Ben Cox of Scroggins, Texas, and Jerry Cox of Hallsville, Texas.

She is preceded in death by her husband.

Services will be held on Sunday, June 16, 2013, at 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Commerce with Michael Ryer officiating. Interment will be in the Rosemound Cemetery in Commerce. Visitation is from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Sunday, prior to services at the First Baptist Church.

Pallbearers will be Gary Boles, Greg Boles, Alex Cartier, Kyle Cox, Todd Elliott, Zach Middleton, Austin Wilbanks and Guy J. Wilbanks.