Obituary: Shelby Jean "Jeannie" Evans Bannister
Kinston — Shelby Jean “Jeannie” Evans Bannister, 84, was graciously welcomed to her Father’s home on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Jeannie was born on January 30, 1941, in Anderson County, SC, to the late Arnold Evans and Gladys Evelyn Buchanan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rex Bannister, and her sister, Nadine Dorsey.
Working from a very young age—starting as a cook at a small diner, then as a millworker (along with her father and most of her community)—Jeannie ultimately became an award-winning realtor in Kinston. During the 1980s, her name seemed to be on “home for sale” signs on every other street in town. But her most cherished roles were the ones for which she never received a paycheck: as “Mom” to her children and “Nana B” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nothing was greater for Jeannie than her love for her family, and it was at her home that her family came to gather for holidays, birthdays, good conversation, and her delicious, made-with-love meals.
Jeannie was well-known for her cooking—everyone craved her homemade macaroni and cheese—and she loved feeding others, be they family, friends, or strangers in need. She was also an avid reader, especially of mysteries. She loved a good movie but was just as happy watching Chicago Fire or The Waltons. She loved visiting with others, laughing, and telling and retelling stories. She was quick with a one-liner. She was a peacemaker among her family and friends. She was artistic and enjoyed arranging flowers, making wreaths, and painting ceramics. She made her home a place of warm welcome with cozy, fine furniture, family pictures, hand-picked treasures, and gifts from her children and grandchildren. Her attic was brimming with decorations for every season, and she took great pleasure in transforming her home with pumpkins and leaves in the fall, Santas and angels at Christmas, and flowers and Easter eggs in the spring.
A faithful member of Spilman Baptist Church in Kinston since the early 1960s, Jeannie lived out her faith through service. In earlier years, she taught Sunday School and assisted with Vacation Bible School. Later, she was in charge of the church kitchen, making meals to rave reviews from church family members attending evening services.
A service of love and remembrance will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church. Committal will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home.
Jeannie is survived by her children: Bruce Bannister and wife, Vicki; Bryan Bannister and wife, Jennifer; Myra Cook; Brad Bannister; and Gina Manning and husband, Tim; grandchildren: Dustin Bannister and wife, Danielle; Kevin Bannister; Joey Cook; Hannah Cook Moore and husband, Tyler; Daniel Bannister and wife, Hollie; Parker Bannister; Jacob Bannister and wife, Grace; and Gavin Bannister; great-grandchildren: Declan, Finnick, Kellan, Evelyn, and Graham; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and beloved extended family.
The family wishes to offer their gratitude to the staff of Kitty Askins Hospice Center, as well as those who cared well for Jeannie at Spring Arbor of Kinston. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Flowers are welcome, or contributions in Jeannie’s memory may be made to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
