Ernestine "Tina" Wilbanks

Ernestine “Tina” Wilbanks, age 77, of Dallas, GA, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 14, 1942, in Atlanta, GA, to her late parents, Ernest and Ora Sanders.

Tina chose a career in health care and was a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and worked in home health care and various medical offices. She was also a licensed EMT and worked at Martin Funeral Home and Ambulance Service and Eberhart-Clark Funeral Home. Tina also enjoyed a career in real estate in the 1980s.  In addition to her love of helping others, Tina had a passion for local history. She served as Co-Chairman of the Paulding County Heritage Book Committee, where she spent countless hours gathering and compiling local genealogy to make this book a resource for families to utilize. She was also actively involved with the Dallas Museum and spent many hours ensuring local treasures were preserved for future generations to enjoy.

In addition, Tina served as the Chair of the Dallas Cemetery Trust. Her love of the old Dallas Cemetery pushed her to always show true concern and compassion in keeping the cemetery grounds beautiful and the records accurate to safeguard the history for the residents of Paulding County.

In 1966, Tina was chosen as “Outstanding Young Woman of the Year” by the Paulding County Jaycettes. This award was given to recognize civic and church work, and dedication to home and family.

Tina was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, GA, where she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, was a former choir member, and a member of the WMU. In addition, Tina was the Chairperson for the Food Committee at the Church, where she was noted as being focused and organized as she ensured meals were provided for Families during times of loss.

She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend who will be missed by all who knew and loved her. In addition to her parents, Tina was preceded in death by her brother, Tom Sanders, and the father of her children, Franklin Wilbanks.

She is survived by her sons Ken Wilbanks of Hot Springs, NC;  David Wilbanks (Brad Morris) of Dallas, GA; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Sanders of Dallas, GA;  grandchildren Colburn Roberts of Rockport, ME; step-grandchildren Chad Ball of Canton, GA; Katie Ball of Canton GA; nieces Carey Jane Ison (Jack); and Suzanne Adams (Jonathan).

The family received friends at the funeral home Friday, July 3, 2020 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM. Funeral services for Ernestine “Tina” Wilbanks were held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 4, 2020 at The Clark Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Don Rackley officiating.  Interment followed the service at Dallas City Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as Pallbearers: Chris Benson, Tony Hayes, Jason Edwards, Jake Bradshaw, Brad Morris, and Bill Watson.