Florence Evelyn Hawkins

Athens – Florence Evelyn Reph Hawkins, 87, passed away on Friday, August 12, 2016, at Oak Tree Manor, Amory. Born on December 12, 1928, in Bethlehem, PA, she was a daughter of the late Raymond and Mary Ann Milligan Reph.
One of 22 children, Florence was a middle child and helped rear her younger siblings. She attended Bethlehem, PA, High School. On May 16, 1955, she married Charles M. “Pop” Hawkins. An ideal and beautiful wife, Florence loved her family and spending time with people and doing things for them. A lady of strong faith who lived life to the fullest, she would often show her love for people by surprising them with gifts and encouraging them. As a seamstress, she had worked for Justin Boots and made blouses for Sure Fit in Bethlehem, PA. After moving to Houston, TX, with her husband, her passion and love for children led her to open and operate a daycare business for children.

In 1985, they moved to Amory. Growing up in the Lutheran faith, Florence and her husband joined Trinity Baptist Church. Always excited to hear from her daughter and grandchildren, Florence dearly treasured inquiring how they did in their county projects and asking about their baby bunny. With her husband, they loved traveling in their motorhome, visiting and fishing at Lake Waco, and shopping. She loved sewing, cooking, and her dog, Babe. Florence enjoyed listening to her brother, Raymond sing her favorite song, “The Old Rugged Cross,” and listening to Gospel music.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Charles M. “Buster” Hawkins, Athens; daughter, Rose Marie Goff (James), Frost, TX; grandchildren, Debra Lynn (Mark), Charles Goff (Shelly), Melinda Harbuck (Jeff); 13 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Albert Reph, Hamilton, AL; sisters-in-law, Joyce Reph and Bernie Hawk, Bethlehem, PA; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 20 sisters and brothers.

Her Funeral Service will be at 11 AM, Monday, August 15, 2016, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory, with Bro. Jack Dauphin, Bro. Lloyd Minor, and Bro. Jackie McNeese officiating. Burial will follow in Howell Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Duane McNeese, Jack Dauphin, Jr., Boyd Duncan, Benny Markham, Cliff Tubb, and Justin Simmons. Honorary pallbearers will be Jackie McNeese, Thomas Renfro, Joe Reeves, and Dwain Holloway.

Visitation will be from 9:30 – 10:45 AM, Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to St. Jude, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105; Le Bonheur, 848 Adams Ave, Memphis, TN 38103; or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.

Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.