Leatryce M Bankston

My Journey 

The Lord received His servant, Leatryce Marcelo Bankston, who passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, March 12, 2022. She was 89 years old. Leatryce was a determined, dedicated servant for Christ as she battled her health challenges and remained anchored in the Lord until He called her home.  Leatryce was born August 2, 1932, to Amathyne Fuller and Percy Bankston in Decatur, Alabama. She was the oldest sibling of five sisters and one brother. 

In 1937, Rev. Dr. Robert L. Fuller would be appointed Pastor of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church of Cleveland, Ohio. With the family's beloved "Uncle Brother," leading the charge that meant the Fuller Family would relocate north to Cleveland. Leatryce would continue her education at Miles Standish School matriculating through the Cleveland Municipal School District and graduating from Glenville High School Class of 1950. 

Leatryce was a strong, independent woman, and was determined to make it on her own terms, in a so-called, "Man's World". So, in 1960 she joined the Famous Cleveland Police Department Women's Bureau. Back then the women were not permitted to integrate with the men, but per a federal lawsuit in March, 1978 she went from badge #3026 to badge #380 and fully integrated into the Cleveland Police Department. By June 1981, she became one of the first African-American women in the Cleveland Police Department history to become a sergeant to lead men and women alike, black and white. Sergeant Bankston was an active Black Shield Member: Her illustrious career spanned about 28 years until her retirement in 1988. But her service to trainees continued for many years thereafter. 

She was a lifelong member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church for 80 years. It is during this time she developed her love of the Lord under the stewardship of Rev. Dr. Robert L. Fuller. Leatryce was always kind and well spoken. She always had time to answer a question; or share her thoughts and opinions with anyone who was within earshot of her like her buddy, Mother Britt or just solve a problem no matter how small it was. She will be deeply missed by loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her creator. 

Leatryce enjoyed being around family and friends such as Choppie, Doll, Faye Beverly and so many others to name a few. But her mother, Amathyne was her world...her life. She made sure her friends and family from cousins Bobby, Arna and Varick always had whatever they needed to succeed in life. The love she shared with us all goes well beyond measure. 

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving cousins: Varick L. Fuller (Chantal), Arna L. Fuller (Rollston), Rashun Wilson (Lucius) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and many friends. 

Leatryce was preceded in death by her father: Percy Bankston, Louisville, KY; mother: Amathyne Fuller, Cleveland, OH; five sisters: Yvonne Hampton, Cleveland, OH, Joanne Bankston, Ph.D. Louisville, KY, Vicki Bankston, Madison, WI, Imogene Bankston, Louisville, KY and Faye Gathright, Jacksonville, FL; one brother: Percy W. Bankston Jr, Louisville, KY. 

A public viewing will be Thursday, March 24, 2022, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street (off East 71st and Harvard), Cleveland, OH. The Celebration of Life Services will be held Friday, March 25, 2022.  Wake 10:00 AM Service 10:30 AM at Mt Hermon Baptist Church, 2516 E 40th St, Cleveland, OH. 

Face Mask will be required for both Viewing and Funeral Services. 

We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on Leatryce's Tribute Wall.