Meet Our Staff
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Stuart D. Force
Funeral Home Manager/Director
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I began my career in funeral service in 1982 in Charleston, S.C. After serving my apprenticeship and graduating with honors from Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in 1986, I worked as a Funeral Director/Embalmer in Charleston, then moved to Martinsville, Va. and managed the Roselawn Funeral Home as the sole licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer. In 1988, I moved to Central Florida and joined the Page-Theus Funeral Home and began managing the Wildwood office shortly thereafter. In 1994 we merged the Banks Funeral Home with Page-Theus after which I had the privilege of working with both Coleman and Peggy Banks. Unfortunately, Coleman passed away in 2003, but I continue working with Peggy Banks. I am active in our community,belonging and participating in many organizations, such as the Rotary Club of Wildwood, Wildwood Masonic Lodge, Sumter County Chamber of Commerce, Lady Lake Chamber of Commerce, Tri County Business Leaders Association, and the Ocala Scottish Rite, to name a few. For recreation my wife Elaine and I enjoy our family as well as camping , hiking, skiing and boating. I look forward to meeting you in the community as my staff and I stand ready to serve you and your family. |
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Shelly Thompson
Office Manager
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I have lived in the area since 1990. I have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. I have another granddaughter due in June. When I'm not playing with the grandchildren, I enjoy crocheting and reading. My son and his wife live in NC where he is in the US Army and is stationed at Fort Bragg. My daughter and son in-law live in Wildwood and my other daughter lives in Wisconsin. I am proud to be a member of the Banks/Page-Theus family although I have not been with them long they have all welcomed me with open arms. I look forward to meeting and assisting you and your family with all your needs. |
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Peggy J. Banks
Staff Associate
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Originally from North Carolina, I have been a resident of Wildwood since 1966. I have been very familiar with the funeral business since the late 1950s when my husband, Coleman Banks, chose this business as his life-long profession. Upon graduating from Gupton-Jones school of Mortuary Science in Dallas, we returned to Florida where he was a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer and worked for a local funeral home prior to going into business for himself, and later merging with Page-Theus Funeral Home. After losing Coleman to cancer in October 2003, I have remained actively involved in the business with general office duties, assisting families prior to and during visitations, and working with our staff on our traditional December Candlelight Remembrance service. I am the mother of 3 daughters, 7 grandchildren, and 1 great granddaughter; I enjoy spending time with them. My family, friends and community service have always been a very important part of my life. We thank you for the trust and confidence you have placed in us. We are always here to assist with any needs or concerns you might have. |
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Joseph E.(Joe) Symonds
Staff Associate
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I was born and raised in the Wildwood area. I am the proud father of 2 children and 3 beautiful granddaughters. I also have 2 lovely step daughters and 2 wonderful grandsons. My wife Jean and I enjoy our children, keeping up our property, road trips, and going to yard sales. I enjoy working with wood in my shop. After retiring from Florida Power, I became an associate at Banks/Page-Theus Funeral Home; it is much more than a job, it is a ministry. The privilege of serving others in their most difficult time is awesome. I am blessed to be able to contribute often in music and singing. It is the most rewarding employment of my life. |
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Alice Renaud
Staff Associate
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I have lived in Florida for 12 years, having moved from Central Square, N.Y. My hobbies are gardening and reading. And the joy of my life are my 3 sons, my daughter-in-laws and 7 grandchildren. I work the weekends at Banks/Page-Theus Funeral Home. |
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