- Date Of Birth: October 10, 1926
- Date Of Death: December 1, 2016
- State: Michigan
Leona A. Hawkins, age 90, of Vandalia, died peacefully Thursday, December 1, 2016 in her residence in the peace and comfort of her family.She was born October 10, 1926 in Calvin Center, Michigan to John and Lena Wilson. She married Joseph Edward Hawkins April 14, 1958 in Niles, Michigan. He preceded her in death in 1995. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Barbara Ann O’Brie; one son, Donald Eugene Keith; one great grandson, John Young III; and one brother Elmer Walden.
Leona retired from Cassopolis Public Schools as a teacher’s aide. She’s greatly remembered as a mother figure to all of her students. Family was Leona’s main priority and she loved nothing more than spending time with them. She would sit at her kitchen table or outside just waiting for the next visitor to come by.Her family remembers Leona as having a great sense of humor, yet not being afraid to speak her mind. But they also say that she was the most kindhearted of people willing to give her last penny to anyone who needed it.
Leona was a great seamstress and crocheted. She played Bingo with great passion and intensity. Her family always looked forward to her special recipe for pound cake at Christmas time.Leona will be greatly missed by family and friends. She leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy her four daughters, Betty (Sam) Fowlkes of Vandalia, Beverly (Jack) Young of Vandalia, Brenda Hawkins-Hannah of South Bend, Paula Hawkins of Vandalia; one son, Joseph (Valerie) Hawkins of Vandalia; fourteen grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; and four nieces.
