Jerry Brooks Bannister

CONNECTICUT — Jerry Brooks Bannister, 85, of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, died at home on August 23, 2025. Jerry was born on May 2, 1940, in McKenzie, Tenn, to the late Brooks and Mary Frances Barksdale Bannister.  He lived in McKenzie until 1954, when he moved with his family to California.

Jerry was a doctor of Social Sciences and served as a Professor of Social Science and Chairman of the Social Science Department at Western Connecticut State University until his retirement several years ago.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Priscilla Gamboa Bannister, and their infant son, Jerry M. Bannister.  Jerry and Priscilla enjoyed an active life, traveling abroad when they could and after retirement, wintering in the Philippines while summering in Connecticut.  During their 60 years of marriage, Jerry & Priscilla lived in Los Angeles, California; Syracuse, New York; Brookfield, Connecticut; and Old Saybrook, Connecticut.

Jerry was also preceded in death by siblings Marjorie Carden Gates and Eddie Carden.

Jerry is survived by his sisters, Diane Bannister Carter of Montana and Martha Carden Gilchrist of New York.

Jerry requested that there be no service and that his ashes be scattered where the Connecticut River meets the Atlantic Ocean near where Priscilla’s ashes were scattered four years ago.