Janie Mae Hawkins
July 11, 1927 – September 6, 2016
JANIE MAE HAWKINS was born July 11, 1927 in Lodi, Texas. She was the only daughter along with six brothers born to loving parents, Ella Mae and James Edward Heath. The family later moved to Texarkana, Texas, where she received her formal education, graduating from Dunbar High School. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at a young age and was baptized at New Hope Baptist Church. Janie, who was always hard-working, worked a variety of jobs during her life’s; journey, including housekeeping and as a café cook; during her younger years, she worked in the cotton fields. Sometime after completing her education, Janie met and united in marriage with the love of her life, Leon Hawkins of the United States Navy. Their union was beautifully blessed with ten children; eight boys and two girls. In 1967, the family moved to San Diego, California; compliments of the United States Navy, making it their permanent residence. Shortly afterwards, Janie united with the Gospel Center C.O.G.I.C. Whenever there was a service going on at the church, you could count on Janie being there. She attended church regularly, including Sunday School. She was a strong, praying woman who was always reading her bible and getting spiritual nourishment from the Word of God. Janie truly loved the Lord. Janie was very caring and loving. She shared her heart and her profound love not only with her children, but also with other children. She often took in children, giving them the same love she gave her own. Janie enjoyed serving the Lord, listening to gospel music and cooking for her family, friends and the many children she adopted into her heart. Janie’s health began to deteriorate during the late 1980s. Yet, throughout her illness, she never complained; for she fought a good fight, she finished the course and she kept the faith. Her warm, gentle and giving spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Hawkins in 1970; three sons, James Hurd who passed away just six months ago, Oliver Hurd and Martin Jones; one daughter, Barbara Ann Hawkins; three grandchildren, Billie Jean Hurd, Kenneth Wynn Hurd and Anthony Quinn Hurd; four brothers, Jimmy Heath, Robert Newton, James Newton and Cleofford Newton. On Tuesday, September 6, 2016, Janie Mae Hawkins was called home to be with the Lord. She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory her loving children, Roy Hawkins, Otis Hawkins, Lawander Hawkins, Donall Jones, Willie Jones and Timothy Jones; one brother, Robert Charles Heath; devoted daughter-in-law, Lena Pearl Hurd including other loving daughters-in-law; and a host of grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends who will mourn her passing, yet celebrate her life. Services were held Friday, September 16, 2016 at Anderson-Ragsdale Mortuary, Memory Chapel; interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
