Obituary of Cerri A. Banks, Ph.D.

Cerri Annette Banks, Ph.D. departed this life on July 31, 2022, at Crouse Hospital, Syracuse, NY.  She was born May 22, 1967 in Catskill, NY to Deryk Nathaniel Banks and the late Ernestine Cofer Banks.

Cerri was immersed in the education and student rights community. She graduated from Monroe Community College and soon enrolled in Syracuse University, where she became a three-time alumna earning a bachelor’s degree in inclusive elementary and special education, a master’s degree in cultural foundations of education and a Ph.D. in cultural foundations of education. She credited her time as a Syracuse student for changing the trajectory of her life. After a distinguished career in higher education working at Hobart and Williams Smith Colleges, Mount Holyoke College and Skidmore College, Cerri returned home last summer to her alma mater as Vice President, Student Success and Deputy to the Senior Vice President.

Cerri leaves to cherish her memory her father Deryk N. Banks and step-mother Cynthia D. Banks, brothers Deryk Banks Jr., Andrell Lamar Banks, Jayln (Stacey) Banks, Shem (Shahérra) Banks, sister Kendall Carter, uncle Arthur Banks, aunt Rae Banks, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and friends, and her beloved dog Isabella.

A private Memorial Service will be held August 13th at 12 pm.  You are welcome to join the service via Zoom ID 965 7074 2948