Celebrating the Life of

Deacon Jerome R. Bannister, 77, of Roanoke, VA, passed away on November 17th, 2025. He was born in Roanoke, VA, on February 8th, 1948. He was one of four children from the union of the late Claude Matthew Bannister and Louise Dorothy Smith Bannister. He graduated from Lucy Addison High School in 1966. Shortly after graduating, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and after serving in the Vietnam War, he was honorably discharged in 1973.

Jerome had a strong love and devotion to his family and never met a stranger in his path. He always had a smile on his face and was always willing to lend a hand when needed.

Jerome and his family joined First Baptist Church, Salem, VA, in May of 1989, where he served as a Trustee, one of the church's groundskeepers, a member of the Men's Chorus, and later became a Deacon. His most recent role was President of the Deacon Board in 2025. He was active in the church and truly loved and respected his church congregation.

In Jerome's earlier years, he enjoyed a love for basketball and enjoyed playing the game as well. He also enjoyed a great love for jazz music through the years, as well as with his lovely wife Romelle. He worked several years at Piedmont Airlines in Roanoke, VA, also several years as a truck driver with Roanoke Restaurant Food Service, and Yokohama Tire Corporation as a tire inspector for 30 years, where he retired.

Jerome is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Louise Bannister, and his sister, Gwendolyn Calhoun.

Those left to cherish his memories: his beautiful wife of 54 years, Romelle P. Bannister of Roanoke, VA; daughter, Kimberly Bannister; sons, Troy Pleasant and Tyler Bannister (Allison), all of Roanoke, VA; sister, Bernice Jackson of San Antonio, TX; brother, Wilbert Bannister of Jacksonville, FL; two grandsons, Kameron and Khristian Simmons; three granddaughters, Aubrey, Delaney, and Eloise Bannister; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, at 12 noon at First Baptist Church of Salem, 226 S. Broad St., Salem, VA 24153. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Arrangements by Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Service.