Evelyn Helms Banker died peacefully at home on Sunday, January 21, 2018. Whether you knew her as Mrs. Banker, Evelyn, Mama, Ebbie or Granny, you shared in a life well lived. Evelyn Christine was born June 9, 1925 in Wingate, N.C., the youngest of 12 children. After graduating from Wingate High School, class of '42, she married Cameron Octo Banker, Jr. in 1943. They built a house when he returned from World War II, where they raised three children: Mike, Dianne and Robin. Outside of the home, she led a Girl Scout troop and actively participated in church circle, Roaring 60's and Friendly Club. As the kids grew up and had families of their own, she had a fondness for Chihuahuas, and her grandchildren of course. Granny kept a small photo album in her purse and shared with pride the latest pictures of her family. Evelyn grew up in an era where you lived off the land and she and Cam had a vegetable garden for as many years as they could tend it. Many a summer was spent harvesting the crops and if you came by to visit you likely sat in the shade of the oak trees breaking beans, shelling peas or shucking corn. She liked to cook, casseroles especially, and anyone that entered the home was offered something to eat. If you were lucky, there would be fresh sliced tomatoes (often with Merita white bread and Dukes mayo), cucumbers and cornbread. She made (from scratch), not baked (from a box), cakes and real icing with Crisco and decorated them special for birthdays, bridal and baby showers, retirement parties, weddings and holidays. She also had a career in retail and retired from Sears after many years. Evelyn enjoyed seeing old friends at the annual retiree luncheon. Her hobbies included anything artistic such as: crocheting, cross-stitching, decoupage, knitting, painting, quilting and sewing. In retirement, Crafts by the Bankers began. Granddaddy did the wood work and Granny would paint and decorate each piece. Then off to a craft fair they would go. They also enjoyed traveling and tours from Nova Scotia to Florida and places in between. A Christian woman with a strong faith, she was a pillar of Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church where she arrived early every Sunday morning. Here she served many roles over the years. She was both student and teacher for Sunday school, she took care of babies in the nursery and made joyful noise by playing hand bells and singing in the choir. She had a personalized foot stool at her chosen pew for the worship service. You'd find her in the church kitchen making supper for Wednesday nights' service and breakfast on Thanksgiving morning as people lined up outside the Fellowship Hall. When she was unable to go to church, she watched services on television and always had her bible nearby. Evelyn will be remembered as a wonderful little woman that made you feel good to be around. She was smart and resourceful, valued common sense and was happiest when surrounded by those she loved. For many, she taught them something or through an act of kindness made a difference in their lives. She may have only stood 4'9" but her moral convictions, stubbornness and a mean streak ensured she wasn't bossed around. She could communicate clearly with just a look. This balance of compassion and feistiness inspired others to be caring, strong and courageous. If you were lucky enough to be loved by her you're lucky enough. Evelyn lost many loved ones during her long life including her husband of 66 years, parents, siblings and close friends. She is survived by three children, Michael Banker(Anne), Dianne Spicer(Barry) and Robin Miracle(Gene); nine grandchildren, Christie Hoagland(Brian), Stephen Banker(Victoria), Julie Sossamon(Randy), Devon Banker, Jennifer Garcia(Andy), Melanie Shell(Charles), Erica Greer(Jon), Chelsey Miracle and Shelley Miracle Wilfong(Shawn); 10 great-grandchildren, Camryn Banker, Luke Banker, Gage Banker, Vivian Greer, Charlotte Greer, Elias Shell, Hannah Mae Shell, Carter Wilfong, Landen Wilfong and Blake Wilfong; a sister-in-law, Sarah Alice Middlebrook as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. The family is grateful to her caregivers, especially to Linda and Cathy, for taking such good care of her recently. A celebration of Evelyn's life will be held Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church, 101 West Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte. Family and friends will gather at 10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall with a memorial service in the sanctuary at noon followed immediately by a graveside service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice & Palliative Care, 1420 E. Seventh St, Charlotte, NC 28204 or the ALS Association, 4 N Blount St, Ste 200, Raleigh, NC 27601. Arrangements provided by McEwen Funeral Service and online condolences may be expressed at www.mcewenderitachapel.com.