Edna Williams Hawkins
Edna was born April 16, 1937, to the late Macy & Isadore Williams in Hurtsboro, Alabama. The Williams home was one filled with love; faith and education were at the center. Edna and twin brother Edward were the youngest of 13 children born to Macy Sr. & Isadore’s union. Other siblings included brothers Macy Jr., Mack, Phevous, Josephus, Henry, & Preston. Her sisters were Cleopatra, Desiree, Mable, Maxine, and Mildred.
Faith and Education:
In 1943, a the age of six, Edna began her education at Russell County Training in Hurtsboro Alabama. In an interview she recalled how school began with devotion in those days, which included prayer and song at the start of the school day. One of the first bible passages she learned was 1 Corinthians 13, from a teacher who aimed to instill an early importance of love in her students. Edna accepted Christ at an early age and never lost her faith and zeal for the Lord’s word. She was a member of St. Paul AME church, for most of her life. In 1955 she graduated from high school and went on to attend Alabama State University, in Montgomery Alabama, for two years, majoring in business administration. Later attending Santa Ana Junior College in Santa Ana, Ca where she studied accounting. Her father had attended college but, was unable to finish because of a lack of resources. In Edna’s words, he was “adamant” that his children would further their education, beyond high school, and six did just that.
Life, Career and Travels:
During her time at Alabama State, Edna met and married former husband and Marine, Ray Hawkins, in 1961. Their marriage took them across the country, affording her the opportunity to live in California, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Michigan, and Georgia. She also traveled internationally to Mexico and Canada and always enjoyed meeting new people. During her time abroad she was an entrepreneur and owned a small restaurant business. Mrs. Hawkins also held positions such as Catering Manager, Coder at Hughes Aircraft, and was an Assistant Supervisor at a Computer Applications company. After returning to Alabama in 1976, she worked for the Russell County School system for 39 years as a Paraprofessional and liaison for Title 1 programs.
Community Involvement:
Edna’s extensive travel and experiences made way for later efforts to aid the Hurtsboro community, as a servant leader. She was known to be an advocate for justice & equality. She didn’t mind putting her money, time, and attention towards causes she believed firmly in. Edna became Cub Master for Boy Scouts of America in 1976; a role she held for 25 years. She bonded with many youth during her time with the Scouts and in the education system. She spoke fondly about trips the Scouts would take, including visiting the National Guard Armory and participating in the mini-Olympics. In 1986 Edna was elected to the Hurtsboro City Council, after contesting election results and successfully taking her case before the Alabama Supreme court.
Of all the things she achieved here on earth, her greatest legacy is one of love and faith. After losing her sight, she once said “I’ve read the bible my whole life and it’s written on my heart.” Memories of Edna will forever be cherished by her family, students, colleagues, and the Hurtsboro community. On Sunday January 12, 2025 Edna closed her eyes and went home to be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her parents Macy and Isadore Williams, and nine siblings Mack, Henry, Phevous, Josephus, Preston, Cleopatra, Desiree, Mildred, & Maxine. Family left to treasure her memories are brothers Macy and Edward Williams, sister Mildred Riggins, sister in-laws Julia & Kathy Williams; in addition to numerous nieces, nephews and friends who were like family.
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Previous Events
Visitation
17
Jan
605 Main Street
Hurtsboro, AL 36860
Service
18
Jan
3 Highway 51 North
Hurtsboro, AL 36860
Cemetery Details
Location
3 Highway 51 North
Hurtsboro, AL 36860