Obituary of Waetina Chatmon-Banks

Waetina Chatmon-Banks was born April 24,1951 in High Point , NC to parents Johnnie M. and William T. Chatmon. Tina, as she was affectionately called, was educated in Philadelphia, PA and Camden, NJ.

At the tender age of seven, Tina secretly filled an application from the back of a comic book to order greeting cards to start her greeting card business. Selling to teachers, family, friends and neighbors. As an entrepreneur and an astute business woman, Tina was a real trailblazer. She was very smart for her age. Tina attended William Dick Elementary school where she skipped from 3rd grade to 5th grade. She also excelled at Stoddard Fleischer Junior High and was promoted from the 7th grade to the 9th grade, making her the youngest to attend Woodrow Wilson high school in Camden NJ. There she was captain of the drill squad, member of all city choir and chosen to attend a summer enrichment program for students who excel in chemistry, earning college credits in the 12th grade. Along with a group of 13 young ladies Tina was not allowed in the high schools white sorority. Together, they founded Zeta Epsilon Omega, a black sorority chartered by the state of New Jersey in 1966, where she served as recording secretary.

Tina says her greatest claim to fame was motherhood. In 1969, Dawn was born. Refusing to live with her parents, Tina purchased her first home at the age of 19. Throughout Dawn's childhood Tina became mommy to many, reflecting her nurturing nature. Dawn's friends gravitated to her maternal presence in their lives. In 1975, Tina met TJ and over the years went from friends to falling in love. They remained a happy and inseparable couple for over 30 years. "Soul Mates." Tina had the pleasure of being a mom to Thomas Jr and Tish. Together they owned "Special T's Accessories" selling jewelry, handbags, and women accessories. They operated that business until TJ's demise. Tina successfully operated a temporary employment service in Pennsauken, NJ called London Personnel for over 17 years. Tina was a branch manager that opened several facilities around the Deleware Valley, providing employment opportunities, which fueled job growth for hundreds of families. Tina later retired in 2008 as Director of Admissions for a technical school in Erial, NJ called Divers Academy. Divers Academy is a commercial diving school where she enrolled students from around the world.

New Philippian Baptist Church was her church home. She loved her Pastor and First Lady. Tina wore many hats at the church which brought her much pleasure. She held the church clerk position from 1997 till present. She was a missionary in which she held presidency. She worked as a willing worker and Women's Day president. Tina headed the fundraising committee with fashion shows, plays that she co-directed, and joy nights she coordinated. Tina conducted baby photo contest, sang on the church and gospel choir. Tina served as a member of the Bethany Baptist Association Choir, sharing the Lord and ministry of helps. Tina will truly live forever in the hearts of so many. God taught her about agape love and she displayed it to the fullest in every way. From feeding the homeless, to visiting women's shelters, to training young women to be mothers and wives. Tina was the foster mother to 17 girls over 10 years. When it came to children and anyone in need or hungry she would cook enough for an army. Tina welcomed strangers to Thanksgiving with open arms and loving hospitality. She loved to cook and could hang with the best of the best in the kitchen. Her cooking and her baking were described as, "Slammin' and Banging!"

In 1996, Elizabeth was sent to Tina through nothing short of divine intervention. Elizabeth became her first daughter from another mother. Tina shared a maternal and spiritual bond with Elizabeth. Several years later Cherry came to follow whom she adopted. Tina's heart was the size of Texas. Over the years Tina has been known to many as Mommy, Ms. Tina, mom-mom, Mom Banks to Alexis LBFF. Tina's children in love: Lisa, Diamond, Katelyn, Elizabeth, Brittany, Shirley, Julia, Robert, Taylor, Synquala, Monique, Crystal, Rebecca.

Tina leaves to mourn her cherished loving daughters; Dawn K. Chatmon and Cherry Rice Banks; a beloved brother Andre (Karyn) Chatmon; aunt Josephine Addison and Uncle William Simpson; God grands, Sarah, Francesca, Victoria, Marcia, Will, Zyniah, Brianna, Lanae, Tamika, Nevaeh, Aaliyah, Za'Nyah, Mariyah, Jamiah, Kameron, Angela; brothers in Love; Anthony Church, Tracey Church, Gerald Steele, and Stephen Steele; sisters in Love: Karyn Chatmon, Mary Cookie Steele, Dolly Church, Annette McCauley and Michelle; nieces and nephews: (youngest to oldest) Tyler, Nicholas, Gabriel(Dierdra), Jeremy, Andre, Latoya and Eltanya (D).; grand nieces and nephews: Nyderia, Zyeir, Seyveonna, Aaron, Sariah, Nybria; closest cousins: Keith McGill, Valerie (Philo) Walker, Cheryl (Tony) Raley, Jackie Gilmore and Marvin Harris; closest friends: Ricky Chapman, Jackie Evans, Michelle Doty, Carol Holmes, Inez Crumety; a plethora cousins, grands, family and friends.

Tina has fought the good fight and she has won her race. Resting in the arms of Abraham.