Linda B. Hawkins

She was the daughter of Martha Bishop and the late William Bishop. Survivors include her sister Yvonne Cooke, brother, Donald (Darlene) Bishop, daughter, Sherry (William) Allen, son James (Laura) Hawkins, granddaughters, Shalane and Sharon Hawkins, grandson, Grayson Allen and several nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her sister Imogene Christopher.

Linda was a life long resident of Jacksonville, graduating from Nathan B. Forrest High School, FCCJ and University of North Florida. She was an avid Florida State Seminole fan, a loyal friend, a confidant, and a Christian who believed the greatest gift ever given was Jesus. She lived her life serving others.

Linda touched the lives of many faculty and students at Edward H. White Senior High, Wesconnett and Hyde Park Elementary Schools, and Mandarin High School. As secretary, occupational specialist, English teacher, Community School teacher, and cheerleader sponsor, Linda shared her love for teaching and all aspects of school life. Under her leadership and guidance, her cheerleading squads won many competitions, her former students were challenged and mentored to finish school with many crediting her care and mentoring to receive their diploma. Many senior classes will remember the great times on their senior trip with her chaperoning. In addition, she was an “adopted Mom” to many of the Mandarin High School football players. She was “Momma Hawk” to many of her students.

After her retirement in 2006, she enjoyed reading, traveling, spending time with family and friends and especially being her grandson’s biggest cheerleader at all his sports activities.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held Friday, March 11, 2011 at 10 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 5927 Old Timuquana Road. Following the service, burial will be at Riverside Memorial Park. Funeral arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Town and Country Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd. Jacksonville, Florida 32205.

To honor Linda’s love for education and the many cheerleaders and athletes she mentored memorial contributions in her memory can be made to Providence School Athletics, 2701 Hodges Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32224 Attention: Priss DeWitt. Please put “In Memory of: Linda Hawkins” on the memo line.

Special thanks to the St. Vincents Nursing Staff on the 4th floor, Lori, Faye, Hector, Latifa, and to Dr. Steven Siegel and Suzanne at North Florida Hematology.

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