Jeanette Bell Hawkins

Jeanette was born on October 11, 1925, in Waldo, Florida to Sam and Jewel (Kellum) Boothby. She spent her childhood between Waldo, Cedar Key, Gainesville, and Tampa. Her family lineage was rich in Florida history; her grandfather and his sons built the first bridge in Cedar Key, her uncle built and owned the first ice plant in Gainesville, and her dad was an engineer on the Seaboard Coastline Railroad. She was a graduate from Thomas Jefferson Junior/Senior High School in Tampa, Florida and Business University also in Tampa.

Jeanette worked as a secretary until she met and married her husband Dwayne (Duke), who would send her a card with a personalized message for every occasion. He preceded her in death, but not before they had lived a glorious 68 years together. After his passing, she found comfort reading through the hundreds of cards he had given her.

Jean loved to play sports and had a “bit” of a competitive/fighting spirit within her. As a child she was considered a “tom-boy” because of her energetic participation in what was considered traditional male sports. Her love for athletics, however, did not hinder her passion for elegance and style. She never missed an opportunity to shop for the latest fashions and accessories; never leaving the house without being perfectly groomed, dressed, and wearing matching shoes. While growing up she treasured family reunions, picnics, and church outings. Jean carried on this tradition with her own husband and children—often waking early on Saturdays to fry chicken and make a picnic lunch for a family fishing trip in a small john boat they would rent for $1.50 on the St. John’s River. As a charter member of Rockledge United Methodist Church, she taught children’s Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and attended the Nursery for over 30 years. Because of her love for children, Jean worked as a teacher’s assistant in Special Needs classrooms in the Brevard Public School system where she retired after 20 years of service.

As a devout Christian and devoted Mom, of which nothing gave her more joy, she spent her time at dance recitals, band and baton events (such as annual Christmas tree and pumpkin sales), and baseball games. She would often be seen working or running the concession stand for both band and baseball. Jean even made handmade Barbie doll clothes and dance recital costumes for her daughters. She was always actively involved in her children’s education and participated in PTA meetings or chairing events. She would often be seen in her yard pitching baseballs to her grandsons. At the age of 95, in celebration of her 65th wedding anniversary, she rode Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, and the Avatar ride. Her pastimes were reading, crocheting, doing needlepoint or embroidery, and cruising with her family—loving all the ice cream and desserts.

Jeanette leaves behind her sister, Mary Reine Seider, her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren and her dogs. She was most proud of raising her 4 children; Bobbie, Deborah (Fleet) Lester, David (Lynne), and Dennis. She was blessed with 6 grandchildren; Brett (Jamie), Duke (Ashley), Amanda (Adam) Gutzwiller, Fleet Lester, Candace (Zach) Haddock, and Dylan (Kaitlin). Her life was further enriched with 9 great-grandsons; Jeffrey, Wyatt, Colton, Peyton, Hawkins, Fischer, Everett, Jonas, and Easton. She learned on Mother’s Day that her 10th great-grandchild, her first great-granddaughter, was on the way—the news lit her up like a Christmas tree.

We were saddened to see her go, but we have joy in our hearts knowing we will see her again, and that she is with her Lord and husband—Together Forever.

A celebration of life for Jeanette will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Rockledge United Methodist Church, 1935 South Fiske BLVD, Rockledge, FL 32955.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FloridaMemorialFH-Gardens.com for the Hawkins family.