Lola Marie Banks

Lola Marie “Sugar” Banks, a devoted daughter, sister, and veteran, passed away April 26, 2026, in Columbia, South Carolina. Born on June 16, 1955, in Presque Isle, Maine, Lola lived a life of service, love, and dedication to her family and community.

Lola graduated from Pemberton Township High School in Pemberton, New Jersey. She pursued higher education at Virginia State College before earning her degree from Coker College in South Carolina. Her commitment to learning and growth was evident throughout her life.

A proud member of the US Air Force for 30 years, including 22 years with the Air National Guard, Lola rose to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (E-8). Lola served her country with distinction. She was deployed numerous times during her career, including active duty during Desert Storm. After retiring from the military, Lola continued to make an impact as an educator. She was a substitute teacher for the Richland County School District. She served as the Deputy Director and as Interim Director for the Star Base program at McEntire Air Force Base, South Carolina. She taught and developed programming for teaching STEM classes to children in Grades 1 through 5. This Star Base served as a model for other Star Base programs at other locations.

Lola’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly when she and her husband, Billee Purvis Jr, whom she married in November 1985, opened Life Force Karate Studio. Rooted in Christian values, the studio became a place where Lola shared her passion for martial arts as an instructor. Lola attained the rank of Black Belt. Her love for martial arts was matched by her enthusiasm for motorcycles and reading—a joy instilled in her by her mother.

A spiritual person, Lola valued a personal relationship with the Lord, not subscribing to any specific denomination. Lola was preceded in death by her brother Charles “Bantu”, her father Air Force Staff Sergeant Adam Banks, and her mother Airman First Class Jean LeGrande Banks. She is survived by her loving husband, Billee Purvis Jr., three siblings: Kim, Tommie “Pete”, and Tony Banks; as well as Zavion Conner and Leah Reza, whom she cherished as her own children, along with a host of family members: Dominque, Danielle, Donna (Adam and Adrien VanderVorste), DonNeal and Logan Cobb; Autumn, Kamille, Kievon, Tommie, and Kai Banks, Kali LeGrande, Ja’Kye, and Yanasha Brown. She also leaves behind numerous cousins as well as her loving in-laws: parents William Sr and Ann, siblings Barbara and Carl (Nary) Purvis. Lola also leaves behind friends, notably Verna Taylor and Debbie Marshall.

Lola’s legacy is one of strength, compassion, and devotion to those she loved.

A Funeral Service will be held on May 11, 2026, with visitation at 10:00 AM, service at 11:00 at Thompson Funeral Home, 845 Leesburg Road. Committal will be at 1:00 at Fort Jackson Veterans Cemetery. Repast will be at Thompson Funeral Home from 2:15 pm to 4:30 pm.

For those unable to attend, the services will be streaming live via the following links:

Funeral Service: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/f26041321245504

Committal: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/f26044935211309