Inez Hawkins

June 18, 1930 - September 15, 2018

Sister Inez Marie Hawkins was born on June 18, 1930 in Austin, Texas to Prince Hawkins, Sr. and Ida Lee Coleman Hawkins. She was the oldest of six children. She attended Blackshear Elementary, Kealing Junior High and graduated from the original L.C. Anderson High School in 1948. Sister Hawkins received a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Education from Huston-Tillotson College in 1953 and attended graduate school at Prairie View A&M University, receiving 18 hours towards a Master’s Degree in Special Education. For many years, she was a high school English Teacher in Lamesa, Texas and served as an Early Childhood Education Director and Teacher in Austin, Texas. Until she was 80 years old, Sister Hawkins served the community as a Foster Grandparent Volunteer at the Ebenezer Baptist Church Child Care Center. At a young age, Sister Hawkins accepted Christ, joined and was baptized at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Austin, Texas under the pastorate of Reverend Jerome C. Lott. She was active in youth and young adult activities for many years. Sister Hawkins was currently an active member of New Bethel Baptist Church where Reverend LaRoy Johnson, Sr. is Pastor. For over 10 years, she shared her vast Black History exhibit at her church and was honored. During Black History Month, she engaged the youth in Sunday School to learn about the great contributions of Black Americans. Prior to her illness, Sister Hawkins was also active in the Women’s Mission and served as one of the teachers. Sister Hawkins was the Hawkins Family Historian…giving memorable oral stories of her ancestors. She also had a passion for writing; especially Children’s short stories and plays. She also loved to read and complete crossword puzzles. For her contributions in her education, career and community involvement, Sister Hawkins was honored and recognized as a Senior for Dedicated Service by the Top Ladies of Distinction, Capital City Chapter, Senior Citizens Thrust on April 30, 2016. Sister Hawkins was preceded in death by her parents, grandson, Quincy Williams, and siblings, James Hawkins, Madeline Wilkins, and Mae Reed; and special sister-cousin, Rosa (Bunny) Stewart. She leaves to cherish her memories, a loving and devoted daughter, Connie Williams and son-in-law, Alvin; devoted grandsons, Adrian Williams and Derick (Latrissa) Williams; blessed great-grandchildren, Adrian Williams II and Quincee Marie Williams and De’Erick, Datron, Deja, Desirae, Derick, Jr., D’ohn, and Tailyr Williams; loving and caring sister and brother, Joyce (Charles) Hill and Prince (Margaret) Hawkins, Jr.; caring nephews and nieces, Robert (Bridgette) Billingsley, Joyce Hawkins, Linda Reed, Deborah Deary, Flossie (Herbert) Stevens, Leonard Hawkins, Clinton (Jean) Billingsley, Gail Brown, Michele Thomas, John (Dawn) Hawkins, Patrick (Teri) Hawkins, Stanley Reed, Steven Reed, Michael Reed, and Mark Reed; brothers-in-law, Deacon Willie Wilkins and Alvin C. Reed; special cousin-niece, Denise (Vincent) Bates; special daughters, Lisa Morrison, Jacqueline (David) Seaborn, Delois York, Jennifer Jones, and Rebecca (Chris) Christian; the William, Berry and Coleman Families and a host of loving cousins, relatives and friends. Her Words of Wisdom: “Family is where life begins and is one of life’s greatest blessings.”