Billie Jean Hawkins, 86, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at the Sanctuary Hospice House. She was born August 13, 1937, in Houston, Texas, to William Curtis and Leta Mae Bohls Wilson. She graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in Houston, the received her associate degree from Jacksonville Baptist College, Jacksonville, TX, where she met her husband. She was an associate and substitute teacher for the Itawamba County School District. She was a home maker, and she was a devoted pastor’s wife. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed playing electronic games and watching the Atlanta Braves.
Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 29, at the Boguefala Baptist Church with Bro. Roger Akers and Bro. David Perry officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery. McNeece-Morris Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Bro. Royce Hawkins; one daughter, Vicki Hawkins Cates, both of Fawn Grove; three grandsons, Chase Cates of Fawn Grove, Bill Hawkins (Heather), Clint Hawkins (Shelby), both of New Albany; two granddaughters, Andrea Rakestraw (Brett) of Blue Springs, and Danielle Norris of Hickory Flat; eight great grandchildren, Brody Rakestraw, Jonah Rakestraw, Caleb Rakestraw, Ali Hawkins, Mark Hawkins, Jack Hawkins, McKenna Norris, Mason Norris, and one great grandchild on the way; two sisters-in-law, Ellen Hawkins of Columbus, MS, and Jane Talbert (Mike) of Tupelo; a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members.
She was preceded in death by one son, Rick Hawkins; two sisters, Barbara Halsey (John) and Janette Ward (AJ); a grandson-in-law, Jeremy Norris; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Harper and Laurie Teague; her in-laws, Clint and Mittie Lou Hawkins; and her parents.
Pallbearers will be Chase Cates, Bill Hawkins, Clint Hawkins, Brett Rakestraw, Alan Estes, Justin Estes, David Baker, and Jason Bryant.
Honorary pallbearers will be Anthony Hodges and her great grandsons.
Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Boguefala Baptist Church.
In lie of flowers, memorials may be made to Sanctuary Hospice House, P.O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS., 38803.
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