Stephanie Lavon Banks, affectionately known as “Candy,” a nickname lovingly given to her by her late grandmother Willie V. Banks, was born on January 24, 1975, in Greensboro, Alabama, to Floyd A. Rencher and Matilda Banks. At the age of three, she moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she spent her childhood and formative years. Stephanie attended Lakeside Middle School and graduated in 1993 from North Side High School. During her time at North Side, she excelled both academically and athletically, earning numerous awards in track and field—a sport she truly loved. She was also a standout in the school’s Business program, known for her remarkable speed of typing at least 100 words per minute.

Candy gave her life to Christ at an early age. After high school, she relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana, where she earned a Medical Assistant degree from Professional Careers Institute. In 2005, she began her career as a Medical Assistant at St. Vincent Medical Group. Caring for others brought her great joy, and she was known for her nurturing spirit and comforting presence. She formed many lasting friendships with both patients and colleagues. Candy was a dedicated worker with a deep appreciation for every job she held. She began working at the age of fifteen at Walgreens and continued working diligently until she was no longer able. At home, she kept a spotless house—so clean you could eat off the floors. She also had a passion for cooking and was especially known for her delicious peach cobbler. Her favorite dish to eat was chicken alfredo, as she had a deep love for all things pasta.

Candy was most proud of her role as a mother and grandmother. Her son, Lemont, and her four grandbabies were the center of her world. She devoted every other weekend to spending quality time with them, raising and loving her grandchildren with the same heart and dedication she gave her son. She also shared a special bond with her sister Monica and brother Antwuan, and together they created cherished memories during family outings with the grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Candy later met her lifelong companion, Roger Ball, with whom she shared many years filled with friendship, love, and laughter. They enjoyed traveling together, especially to her favorite destinations—Florida and Jamaica.

Candy passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded by the love of her family. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Harry C. Banks and Willie V. Banks; her uncle, Walter E. Banks; and her paternal grandfather, Henry Rencher. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved son, Lemont Banks; four cherished grandchildren, Layla Pennington, Ly’Berti Banks, Kaiden Coleman, and Zariah Banks; her loving parents, Floyd A. (Wendy) Rencher and Matilda Banks; her devoted siblings, Robert Banks, Monica Rencher, Antwuan Rencher, and Amber Watkins; and her paternal grandmother, Clara Rencher. Candy is also remembered with love by her godchildren, Jelicia Walker, Dennis Johnson Jr., Makayla Johnson, and Kobe Johnson; special friends, Felicia Johnson, Gloria Little-Kirkendall, Liz Anderson, and Stormie Pegues Green; along with a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, extended family members, and dear friends. Candy’s loving spirit, infectious sense of humor, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends will forever be remembered and deeply missed.