Christine (Meeks) O'Banner
Affectionately known as "Tine"

Christine (Meeks) O'Banner, affectionately known as "Tine" to her family and loved ones, was born on November 25, 1945, in Itta Bena, Mississippi. She was the beloved daughter of  A.D. Meeks Sr. and Adlene (Coleman) Meeks.

Christine received her education in Greenwood, Mississippi, where she attended Amanda Elzy High School. It was there that she met the love of her life and future husband, John Wesley O'Banner Jr. On July 23, 1962, the two were united in holy matrimony. In 1963, they moved to Romulus, Michigan, and later made their home in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where Christine would build a life centered on family, faith, and service.

Christine dedicated 37 years of faithful service to the University of Michigan. Prior to her retirement, she worked as an Operating Room Assistant at the University of Michigan Hospital. She was the epitome of hard work, commitment, and reliability, earning the respect of colleagues and supervisors alike.

At an early age, Christine accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized. Her faith remained a steadfast anchor throughout her life, sustaining her through every season. She was a member of God's City of Refuge under the leadership of the late Apostle Reginald Williams Sr.

Christine was a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished matriarch. She will forever be remembered for her kind heart, giving spirit, and unwavering love for her family. Always there for anyone in need. She was strong, intelligent, inquisitive, and deeply compassionate. Christine enjoyed gospel music, cooking, collecting candles, solving crossword puzzles, and watching Hallmark movies. She also supported Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels, a cause that was near and dear to her heart.

Christine, at the age of 80, made her peaceful transition on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Trinity Ann Arbor Hospital with her daughter Angela and son Dwayne by her side.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 46 years, John Wesley O'Banner Jr.; her children, John Wesley O'Banner III and Brenda Kay O'Banner; stepson, Melvin Echols; her parents, A.D. Meeks Sr. and Adlene Meeks; her brothers, Edward Meeks, Joe Meeks, Bobby Meeks, and A.D. Meeks Jr.; and her honorary daughter, Willie Mae Braggs.

Christine leaves to cherish her memory her treasured children, Angela O'Banner, Gary O'Banner, and Dwayne O'Banner; stepdaughter, Amelia (Charles) Walton ; grandson, Wesley O'Banner; stepgrandchildren; her sisters, Bettie (Meeks) Mullen, Shirley Meeks, and Patricia Meeks; brother, Robert Meeks; half-sister, Earnestine Sanders; brothers-in-law, Cleave (Earline) O'Banner, L.C. (Hattie) O'Banner, and Fred (Lisa) O'Banner; sisters-in-law, Barbara (Ernest) Johnson and Valerie (O'Banner) Gaines; along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, goddaughters Tanya O'Banner and Joi Meeks, honorary daughter Rosie Ann (Dempsey) Jackson, honorary children, and honorary grandchildren.

Christine's life was a beautiful testament of faith, perseverance, and love. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit, teachings, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

A funeral service will be held 11 am Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Stark Funeral Professionals with family hour beginning at 10 am. Christine will be laid to rest in United Memorial Gardens, Plymouth.

To view a live stream of the service, click here: https://www.youtube.com/live/0hfd8sBv_MA?si=lV4sxeVXZMZeTJFc