Helen M. Banks was a professional seamstress.

Banks died Friday, Jan. 25, 2013. She was 87.

She was born March 4, 1925, to the late Marie and Frederick Carey in Philadelphia. Banks was educated in the Philadelphia public school system.

She embarked on a career as a professional seamstress, working for various companies until her retirement from Foster Brothers Men’s Clothing.

Banks was baptized at the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church of Philadelphia and later attended Bethany Baptist Church of Lindenwold, N.J.

In 1953, she married the late Ernest Banks and relocated to Cherry Hill, N.J., where she resided until her passing.

Banks made bedding for Strawbridge & Clothier. She designed custom draperies, bedding and wedding treatments and crafted one-of-a-kind prom dresses for her granddaughters along with suits for family members.

The highlight of Banks life is when she gave birth to her two daughters.

Her family said she loved to travel to exotic vacation spots, knit, sew, cook and crochet.

“Helen’s life was most enjoyed with family and friends,” her family said.

“Helen enjoyed laughing and her smile would brighten a room.”

Banks was preceded in death by her siblings, Catherine, Virginia, Thelma and Frederick, Jr.

She is survived by her daughters, Carmella Scranton (Hence) of Philadelphia; Beverly Smith (William) of Voorhees, N.J.; grandchildren, Eric Smith (Carolina) of Tampa, Fla., Leslie Wood of Ft. Washington and Tracey Wood of North Wales; twin sister, Dorothy Smothers of Philadelphia; five great-grandchildren; special nephew, Lamont Tolbert of Philadelphia and other relatives and friends.

Services will be held February 1 at Canaan Baptist Church, 5430 Pulaski Avenue. Viewing is at 9 a.m. Services will follow at 11 a.m. Burial is in Ivy Hill Cemetery, 1201 Easton Road of Cheltenham.