Doretha Banks

With deep love and sorrow, we announce the passing of Doretha Pryor Banks, who departed this life peacefully on May 26, 2026, in Roanoke, Virginia, at the age of 76.

Doretha was born on August 29, 1949, in Minden, WV, to the late Rev. Thomas Pryor and Lorena Pryor. She was one of 10 children and was raised with strong family values, resilience, and faith that would guide her throughout her life. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, West Virginia before later moving to Harlem, New York, where she devoted much of her life to ministry and service. While in Harlem, Doretha worked at the Soul Saving Station as Executive Secretary and faithfully served in ministry, eventually becoming known as Evangelist Doretha Banks. 

She was a woman of unwavering faith, strength, determination, and compassion. Her life touched many through her prayers, wisdom, and dedication to both her family and her spiritual community. She leaves behind to cherish her memory and mourn her passing: her beloved son, Avery Pryor; daughter-in-law, Monique Pryor; one grandson, Avery Pryor Jr.; two granddaughters, Raven and Kiara; one great-granddaughter, Nylah; one brother, David Pryor; two sisters, Dreama Minor and Cynthia Haynes; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives she impacted deeply. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Banks; parents, Rev. Thomas and Lorena Pryor; and her siblings Franzetta Woodson, Fred Pryor, Tyrone Pryor, Virginia Pryor-Jefferson, Charles Pryor, and Glenn Pryor. Doretha’s legacy of faith, perseverance, and love will continue to live on in all who knew her. 

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.