It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of loving wife and mother Anna Louise McInnis Banister, 88, of Diamondhead, Miss. Anna passed away on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021 at her residence surrounded by her family.

Anna was born and raised in Lake Charles, La. She attended LSU where she met the love of her life, Charlie Banister.  Together they embarked on a 62 year adventure which took them to Alaska. Anna was a young army wife on the Last Frontier before Alaska was even a state. With strength, determination, and grace, she raised three children while her husband was deployed twice to Vietnam. Though a southern girl at heart, Anna loved Alaska and all the adventures that came with it, including wading salmon streams, golfing with friends, and spending weekends with family at their cabin. Ever the creative person, she enjoyed painting Alaskan landscapes, crocheting, floral arranging and gardening.  All traits that were passed down to her children and grandchildren. She loved all animals, and never let a stray go homeless. After over 30 years in Alaska, Anna and Charlie retired to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to spend their Golden years, enjoying a life of leisure, travel, cheering on her beloved LSU tigers, and of course, golf.

Anna was an elegant, sweet, sassy, smart, and strong woman, all wrapped up in one amazing package. She was the glue that held the Banister tribe together. She was there for us during our first heartbreak, first speeding ticket, and first steps out of the nest.  She was the kind of mom that found the balance between being a parent, best friend, and guiding light.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles M. Banister; parents, William Tryon, and Exa Josephine Bailey McInnis. Those left to honor and cherish her memories are her children, Charles M. “Chip” Banister III, Anchorage, Alaska, Brenda Banister (Kelsey Crago), Kiln, Miss., and Tina Thomas (Jay Thomas), Fulshear, Texas; and two grandchildren, Alayna and Madison Thomas.

Funeral Services will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 4, 2021 at University Baptist Church with The Rev. Steve Shirley officiating. A gathering of family and friends will begin at noon until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow services alongside her beloved husband at Highland Memory Gardens all under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SPCA of Diamondhead, PO Box 6481, Diamondhead, MS, 39525.