One of eight children born to Ed and Elizabeth Scott Banks, Lee was born September 5, 1927 in Barnardsville, NC. A sister Joyce Banks and two brothers Fraizer Banks and Scott Banks preceded her in death.
Lee and her late husband were founders and owners of Shope Shoe Stores in Shelby, Durham, Raleigh and Hickory. Lee attended Mars Hill College and the Cecil Business College in Asheville, NC. She was an active member of Shelby Presbyterian Church and served as a Deacon and an Elder. In 2000, Lee was honored by the Women of the Church with an Honorary Life Membership. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Y.M.C.A. and was active on the Building Committee of the Dover Y.M.C.A. In addition, Lee was a member of the Twentieth Century Book Club and was a member of the Cleveland Country Club where she enjoyed playing golf.
Lee was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed sharing friendships, gardening, sewing, cooking and baking bread for her many friends. She will be long remembered for the times she spent doing for others.
Lee is survived by a son, David Shope and his wife Victoria of Knoxville, TN and her granddaughter, Erin Shope Montgomery and her husband Adam and their daughter Minnie Montgomery; grandson, Mark Shope of Knoxville TN; four brothers, Blaine Banks and wife Betty of Barnardsville, NC, Mack Banks of Mohawk, TN, Parks Banks and his wife Carol of Homestead, FL and Barnardsville, NC, Fred Banks and his wife Ruth of Midway, TN; sister-in-law, Carolyn Banks of Barnardsville, NC.and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Shelby Presbyterian Church on Tuesday June 3, 2014 at 2:00 pm with Dr. Luke Harkey officiating. Visitation will held following the service in the Ellis Fellowship Hall at the church and other times at the home on 216 Fairway Drive.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 222 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28202, Shelby Presbyterian Church, 226 E. Graham Street, Shelby, NC 28150, Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150 or the donor’s choice.
Cecil M Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family
