Jane Hawkins

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anoints my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever
Psalm 23King James Version (KJV)


Jane Warren Hawkins, affectionately known as 'Janie' was born on October 30, 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the first child born to the late James Warren and Francis Wescott. Her siblings are Rita Washington Bristol; other siblings who preceded her in death: Earl Lessey, Roberta Edwards, Katherine (Kathleen) Warren and Frank Warren. On Friday, September 9, 2016 God called the matriarch of our family home to be in his awesome presence.

Janie was born and raised in South Philly, where she graduated from Southern High School. She attended and was baptized at First African Baptist Church - 16th & Christian. Many years later Janie & her family relocated to 2225 N. 33rd St in North Philly. This house was known as 'The Big House', where It was not uncommon to have church service in the living room - it was so big.

Janie met and married the love of her life Robert R. Hawkins, who preceded her in death. From this union they had eight children. Francenia Hawkins (preceded her in death), Mylinda Jones, Dinah Hawkins, Mark Antony (Tony) Hawkins (preceded her in death), David Hawkins, Robert Hawkins, Deborah Hawkins and Joshua Hawkins.
Janie later met her special friend, Samuel Riley (Mr. Bumsie), who also preceded her in death.

Janie was beautiful, talented and outgoing. She was the epitome of class, style and grace. She sang in a girl's group known as 'The Flamingos'. They performed and competed on a local radio station in Philadelphia, as well as The Apollo in New York City - they won first prize in both contests.

Janie was a Licensed Practitioner Nurse at Hahnemann Hospital and was known for her caring, bed-side manner. She was also the PTA President at LP Hill Elementary School, where all of her children attended. She was the adopted Mother of 'Delta Phi Toys' Girls Social Club, of which her daughters were active members. As one of the assistants in the Glee Club at Strawberry Mansion Junior/Senior High School she assisted with teaching students how to play musical instruments. Yet, the job she enjoyed the most was being a homemaker to her eight beautiful children. Janie was an excellent cook and baker. She will always be known for her famous seafood salad, amongst other homestyle dishes. She would always make sure there was a freshly baked cake every week and ice cream - which was her favorite dessert.

Janie was the center of our family. She taught us all good manners and to always be respectful. She instilled in us to always be a family, take care of each other and stay close. She really loved family gatherings and the chance to see everyone eating good food, listening to music, dancing and enjoying each other's company. Everyone loved her and she will be greatly missed.

Janie leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her fine memories: her daughters Mylinda Jones, Dinah Hawkins and Deborah Hawkins and her sons: David Hawkins, Robert Hawkins and Joshua Hawkins (Lafayette), her sister Rita Washington Bristol, her 13 grandchildren: Vhillisia Hawkins, Vernon Hawkins, Latisha Hawkins, Douglas Adolphus II, Davine Adolphus, Sabrina Hawkins, David Hawkins Jr., Nadiyah Stokes, Lamont Valentine, Shirine Hawkins, Joshua Hawkins, Jr. Jeremiah Hawkins, Kyreem Hawkins, and 24 great-grandchildren and 8 great, great-grandchildren., as well as a host of family and friends, including her adopted daughter Cookie.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jane Hawkins, please visit our floral store.