Jessie Elizabeth Banton, 78, of Derry, NH died suddenly from a cerebral hemorrhage Tuesday, August 1, 2006 at Parkland Medical Center in Derry. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on January 24, 1928, the daughter of the late James Harold and Jessie Elizabeth (Burnett) Ellis and was raised in Flushing Long Island, NY. On June 25, 1948 she married William E. Banton and they shared almost sixty wonderful years together. Although she lived in many areas of the country, home for her has always been Big Island Pond in Derry, NH since 1958. Mrs. Banton has also been a winter resident of Marco Island, FL for the past 21 years. She was a member of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Hampstead, NH and St. Mark’s Church of Marco Island. A devoted wife and mother, she will be remembered for her grace, social elegance, and loving commitment to friends and family.
She is survived by her husband, William E. Banton of Derry; two daughters, Elizabeth Anne Schneider of The Colony, TX and Deborah Rae Banton of Durango, CO; a son, Thomas William Banton of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; four grandchildren, Corey James Schneider, Christopher David Schneider, Brian Hoff and Jennifer Caldwell; a great grandson, Evan Caldwell; a brother, James Harold Ellis of Filmore, CA; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Steven Harold Banton in 1989.
There were no calling hours. Following cremation, a memorial service was held on Monday, August 7th at 10 AM in St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 187 East Rd., Hampstead, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 187 East Rd. Hampstead, NH 03841.