Words by Karen McCain | Images by Al Blanton

Becoming her grandfather’s caregiver brought with it something Marisa Nevels-Johnson never
expected: a front-row seat to an extraordinary friendship between Wayne “Pop” Banks and his
four-year-old great-granddaughter, Kalani.

At just 30 years old, Marisa has already experienced several significant chapters in life.
Widowed at 24 and now a mother of six, she also spent an important season caring for Mr.
Banks, who passed away on August 23 of this year. Through those responsibilities, she has
demonstrated strength, grace, and compassion, and watched those same qualities begin taking
root in the next generation.

As Marisa shares her grandfather’s story, her voice grows emotional.

“Pop lived in a nursing home for more than a year before he was finally able to hire someone to
bring him home and provide care. After a while, his caregiver was no longer able to continue
helping, and I needed a fresh start, so I moved back to live with him,” Marisa says.

Mr. Banks’ health challenges began after he broke his back while working at Shoal Creek Coal
Mine. Over time, those injuries were compounded by multiple illnesses. But long before
declining health made him dependent on others for care, Wayne Banks was known to friends as
“Mountain”- a nickname earned because he towered over everyone in height.

Those who knew him in his younger years remember someone active, good-natured, and full of
personality. In the comments of his online obituary, friends recalled playing Little League
baseball with him and his distinctive pitching style, along with horseback rides, his habit of
playfully teasing those around him, and the kindness that seemed to follow him throughout his
life. One friend described him as a “live and let live” person with a heart as big as his nickname.
Others remembered him as someone whose presence made life a little better.

That spirit remained part of the man Marisa knew as Pop. Though his health eventually left him
unable to care for himself, she remembers him as vibrant and full of life. In his final chapter, Mr.
Banks was a patient of Access Hospice due to several terminal illnesses. Even amid those
challenges, however, he continued to find joy in simple moments. Much of that joy came through Kalani.

In his final chapter, Mr. Banks was a patient of Access Hospice due to several terminal illnesses.
Even amid those challenges, however, he continued to find joy in simple moments. Much of that
joy came through Kalani.

Despite the 74 years between them, the two formed a friendship that became one of the most
meaningful parts of Mr. Banks’ final season of life. Marisa describes Pop and Kalani as being best friends. He would spend hours listening as Kalani told him stories only she understood. And even on difficult days, his thoughts often turned to her.

“When Pop was having a bad day, he’d still ask about Kalani and wanted to make sure she was
all right,” Marisa says.

Their closeness carried an added significance for Marisa. She admits she hesitated before moving
back to Jasper to care for her grandfather. She knew Mr. Banks came from a generation that
wasn’t always accepting of biracial children, and she didn’t know what his relationship with
Kalani would become.

What developed instead surprised her.

“They had the closest bond I have ever seen,” Marisa says.

Marisa has shared glimpses of that relationship on Facebook, reflecting on what the two gave
one another. Kalani gave Pop purpose and reminded him that joy could still be found in every
day. Pop, in turn, made Kalani feel safe and gave her roots. At its heart, their relationship was
held together by love.

And while Kalani was building memories with her great-grandfather, she was also watching her
mother care for him.

When Marisa checked Pop’s blood pressure, gave him medication, or tended to his other needs,
Kalani was often right beside her. Quiet and observant, she watched her mother’s every
movement, absorbing lessons in compassion Marisa never had to teach formally.

Though she may not yet realize it, Kalani was learning what it means to care for someone you love.

For Marisa, that desire to care for and encourage others extends beyond her own family. Through
her podcast and social media presence, she hopes to support women who may be navigating
difficult seasons.

“I want to uplift and empower women who may not have the support they need. I want to show
them that women are powerful and that we can do anything,” she says.

Mr. Banks’ death brought Marisa’s chapter as his caregiver to a close, but it did not end the story
that unfolded during that time.

In caring for her grandfather, Marisa gave him the opportunity to spend his final season
surrounded by family. In watching her mother, Kalani learned something about tenderness.
responsibility, and showing up for the people we love. And in Pop, she found a best friend. 74
years her senior who made her feel safe and gave her roots.

The hours of stories only he could understand have ended, but what they gave one another
remains: a relationship that crossed generations, challenged expectations, and was held together
by love.

Marisa continues to use her voice to share moments of love, resilience, and encouragement with
others. To learn more about Marisa and her family, follow Marisa Nevels-Johnson on Facebook.
marisa_mom6_caregiver on Instagram, and marisnjohnson on TikTok. 78