Mary Julia Hawthorne

Mary was a long time previous resident of Central Illinois having resided in Saybrook, Bloomington, and Peoria from 1959 to 1997.

Mary led a very active life as a full-time homemaker and raised three sons. She was an avid golfer loved to socialize, play cards and garden. She was a wonderful Grandmother and was just informed she would soon be a great-grandmother again.

Mary lived in Lawrenceville and Decatur (GA) for the past 28 years. Prior to her time in Metro Atlanta, she and her husband, “Babe” lived in Saybrook, IL, Bloomington, IL, Peoria, IL, and Montgomery AL.

Mary Julia Nicholson was born June 18, 1929 to Roy and Pearl Nicholson of Phenix City, AL. She spent her childhood and young adult life there until meeting her husband, Lester “Babe” Hawthorne, while he was stationed at Ft. Benning. They married on August 30, 1958.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years “Babe”; his parents; her parents; a sister, Jeanette; and a granddaughter, Zara Yee Hawthorne.

Surviving offspring include sons Wayne (Edyie) Hawthorne of Kennesaw, GA, David (Widney) Hawthorne of San Diego, CA; and Jeff Hawthorne of Decatur, GA.

Additional family include grandson Trevor Hawthorne, granddaughters Amanda (Jason) Penharlow, Sheila Baker, and Angela Solomon. Great-grandsons Christopher Solomon, Patrick Solomon, and great-great grandson Arthas Solomon. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Surviving siblings are Betty Corbo of Las Vegas, NV, Kenneth (Deborah) Nicholson of Waverly Hall, GA, and Jeraldine Kite of Smiths Station, AL.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, October 23 at 11:00am. Mary will then be interned beside her husband at East Lawn Memorial Garden in Bloomington, IL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Trees Atlanta (GA) at treesatlanta.org.