Eleanor Hawkins McNair, 84, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Edwin Hawkins Jr., Eleanor Hawkins Bryla, and her beloved stepfather, Adam Edward Bryla. She was also preceded in death by her nephew, Charles Edwin Hawkins IV.
She is lovingly remembered by her two children, Susan Headley Mitchell (Thomas Craig) and Robert Beech Headley Jr. (Carrie); her brother, Charles Edwin Hawkins III (Deborah); and her grandchildren, Jake Headley, Alexander Mitchell, Sarah Headley, and Lauren Mitchell. She is also survived by her niece, Meaghan Hawkins Williams (Jacob), two grandnephews, and one grandniece.
Eleanor graduated from Bessemer High School in 1959 and from The University of Alabama in 1963. While at the university, she was a member of Chi Omega and served as Pledge Trainer and Secretary. She maintained many close friendships from her youth and greatly valued the time she spent with her dear friends.
Her faith and church community were very important to her, and she was an active member of Riverchase United Methodist Church.
Eleanor retired after more than 20 years of dedicated service with the Birmingham City School System. Her lifelong commitment to helping every child succeed was very important to her.
The family extends its sincere gratitude to the many lifelong friends, neighbors, and clergy whose kindness and support meant so much to her.
A memorial service celebrating Eleanor’s life will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Elmwood Chapel in Birmingham. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation or Riverchase United Methodist Church.
