Harriette C. Hawkins

Harriette C. Hawkins was born on March 2, 1940 in Vicksburg, Mississippi. At the age of 12 she and her mother moved to Chicago, Illinois where she attended Du Sable High School, graduating at the age of 16. During high school, Harriette began working at Michael Reese Hospital with her mother. She was always dedicated and enthusiastic about her work and maintained a very high work ethic. After high school and two years of college, she went on to work with the United States Post Office and Illinois Bell. Harriette married shortly after high school, and three children were born from that union. She later met and married the love of her life, Elmer Hawkins, Jr. Together they bore three children to complete their beautiful family. Harriette was always a friendly, kindhearted person, who loved God and sought out to live a God-fearing life as a wife and mother. Her Uncle Cyrus was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She accompanied him many times to Christian meetings and conventions. She was also acquainted with several schoolmates who were Witnesses as well. At the age of 22 years old, she accepted a free Bible study with Margaret Montgomery. Receiving an accurate understanding of God’s Word and becoming a diligent Bible student, she dedicated her life to Jehovah and symbolized her dedication by water baptism on June 24, 1962. Harriette enjoyed teaching her family and friends about Jehovah and His Word. She imitated the courageousness of Christ Jesus and the apostle Paul by fearlessly studying the Bible with many people, including notorious gang members in the Englewood neighborhood in the 1970’s. Over the years, her faith strengthened and her love for Jehovah enabled her to become a phenomenal wife, mother, friend, spiritual sister, grandma and grandma-ma. She loved to be surrounded by her family and friends. In good health, she welcomed all to her home for home cooked meals, music, dancing, singing, playing cards and plenty of laughter. She was a music connoisseur, loving all genres of music. Harriette always made everyone feel welcome and loved. She wanted to be on a first name basis with everyone, even young children. On Saturday July 14, 2018 at 8:55 a.m., Harriette fell asleep in death from Stage 4 Breast Cancer that spread to her brain, lungs and hip. Harriette’s smile, her voice and her laughter will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her loving parents Alfonse Thomas and Effie Green; and her beloved husband, Elmer Hawkins, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory her six children: Morris Cirton (Kharolyn); Eileen Cirton-Duren; Tracey Cirton; Mila Hawkins; Elmer Hawkins,III (Farisa) and Malcolm Hawkins. Seven grandchildren: Courtney (Jethro); Erinn; Chrystina; Darren, Jr.; Tytianna; Laniah and Mariah. Three great granddaughters: KaeLani, Naomi and Stacey.. Her dear cousin with whom she formed a special bond of friendship and sisterhood, Edna Brown; Her loving sister-in-law, who was more like her little sister to her, Elaine Hawkins; and three women who, for decades, personified Proverbs 17:17 where it states: “A true friend shows love at all times and is a (sister) who is born for times of distress”; Nancy Bell, Mona Geeter and Pamela Johnson-Young, along with a host of family and many, many friends.

Tributes

Harriette C. Hawkins

March 2, 1940 - July 14, 2018