Nannie Beatrice Hawkins

Nannie grew up in Caroline County, Virginia. On a farm where her family grew crops such as tomatoes, and squash; fruit trees such as cherry, apple, and plum; livestock such as hogs, poultry, and a variety of flowers. During her early childhood, her family moved to Washington, D.C. where she graduated from Armstrong High School and Saint Paul Institution of School of Nursing.

Nannie was a very young girl serving coffee. Every morning Herman Hawkins was in line to buy coffee and he would say, “Sweet and Light” as he placed his order. That was the beginning of their romance and marriage. Nannie’s vocation was being a homemaker and managing her household with such pride and dignity. She opened her home to foster children, becoming a foster parent to children suffering pain and upheaval due to the loss of their homes and family. Twenty years later she began employment with the Department of State (federal government), where she received numerous awards and recognition until her retirement in 2004. For several years Nannie also served as Chairperson for the Wright-Carter Family Reunion and spokesperson for her neighborhood. She was a landlord and real estate owner too. She had an uncanny ability to find peace and happiness in daily activities, such as planting flowers, growing tomatoes, cooking, traveling, and entertaining family and friends at her home. She began her week every Sunday attending church in the company of Our Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks and praise. Her pleasant personality was contagious and she spoke kindly to everyone she met.

Nannie is survived by two daughters, Scarlitt Proctor, and Debra Hawkins, two sons Herman Hawkins and George Hawkins and one daughter-in-law, Assiatou Hawkins, three grandsons, David Proctor, Kurbell Hawkins, Surafeal Hawkins, two granddaughters, Heather Davis and Megan Saunders. She also leaves many other loving members of the family and a host of friends of long standing.