Rona Jeane Hawkins

We are sad to announce the passing of our cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Rona Hawkins, aged 94, on March 5th, 2023, after a long battle with dementia. Rona was born on February 2nd, 1929, in Booneville, Arkansas to Orus and Lillian Walker. Moving to Elk City, Oklahoma at an early age, she graduated from Elk City High School in 1946. She married the love of her life, best friend, and singing companion, Carl Hawkins, on December 21st, 1947. The lovebirds were together until Carl’s death in 2005. Rona worked at Citizens National Bank in Oklahoma City until her retirement. She worshipped at North 50th Street Church of Christ for over 50 years, where she made lifelong friends. Rona enjoyed music and singing, and in her teens, she sang on the radio with a trio. She always had a positive happy disposition in life, and was able to laugh at herself even during her dementia. Rona made everyone she was around feel accepted, happy, and loved. Her family was so dear to her. She loved playing with her great grandchildren for hours on end! She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, crocheting, going on road trips, and cooking delicious meals for her husband and daughter. Rona was a great example to her family because of her dedication to the Lord and her unrelenting love for each and every person in her life. Rona was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Clifton Walker. She is survived by her daughter, Carla Hashemi and husband, Dory; 3 grandchildren: Doran Hashemi and wife Mary; Bryan Hashemi and wife Catie; Maunalee King and husband David; 6 great-grandchildren: Alaina Olivares (23), Nadia Coleman (23), Sophia Hashemi (14), Maddie Hashemi (11), Charlotte King (6), Audrey King (3); and her beloved sister, Glenna Joyce and husband Taylor, along with many, many friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews. We also want to mention Maggie, her and Carla’s little Yorkie, who also loves Rona very much!

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