Dajhai Denise Hawkins

First Chapter - August 18, 1999

Forever 26 - August 17, 2026

Dajhai Denise Hawkins first graced us with her sparkling presence in Natchez, Mississippi. She grew into a beautiful young woman with a huge heart, outgoing personality, and the kind of energy that could turn an ordinary moment into a memory.

Dajhai found her rhythm early, dancing with the Mesquite Gators Drill Squad from ages four to thirteen and later spending four years as a Scarlet Sweetheart at John Horn High School, where she graduated with the Class of 2017.

After high school, Dajhai earned her Associate Degree from Eastfield College and found another place for her big heart—education. She began at Mesquite High School, spending two years working with special needs students. She later taught toddlers at Bear Creek Lodge Learning Center while continuing her work with special needs students at North Forney High School. For the past three years, she lovingly balanced both. From her smallest learners to her high school students, Dajhai did what came naturally—connected, encouraged, and made people feel seen.

Dajhai loved music, especially Summer Walker. She loved pink—because really, what other color could keep up with her? She was a true foodie, and a trip to Pappadeaux was always welcomed. She loved telling jokes, making people laugh, and bringing energy wherever she went. Dajhai wasn't simply at the party—Dajhai was the life of the party.

But beneath all the fun was one of her greatest gifts: Dajhai was an encourager. She reached out just because—to share a joke, tell someone how beautiful they were, say “I love you,” or simply brighten their day. She didn't need a special occasion to make people feel special.

Her faith became an important part of her life. Dajhai was a member of The Social Dallas Church, where she loved attending and was excited about learning God's Word. In May 2026, she publicly professed her faith through baptism, marking a beautiful chapter in her growing relationship with Christ.

Family meant everything to Dajhai. One of her favorite pastimes was lovingly annoying her mother and brother—a skill she practiced faithfully! She treasured dinners and time spent with her father and baby sisters, and she fiercely loved and protected the people she called hers.

And no story about Dajhai would be complete without Nala Snow, her beloved Maltipoo. Nala wasn't simply a pet—she was Dajhai's baby, sweet little sidekick, and a very special part of her world.

Dajhai leaves a lifetime of cherished memories with her mother, Tina Jackson (Anthony); father, Dereck Hawkins; brother, Cameron Hawkins; sisters, Nariah Hawkins and Aiyana Hawkins; maternal grandparents, James Farmer and Willie Beatrice Farmer; and paternal grandparents, Charles Smith and Patricia Hawkins.

Her circle of love also includes her uncles, James Farmer (Elecia), Brian Mastin, Jimmie Watson (Linda), Louis Watson, and Wendell Farmer; aunts, Angela Thomas (Stacey), Rashida Doss, Jennifer Jackson, Deidre Ricks (Broderick), Lucinda Neal, Katrina Jennings (Samuel), and Rita Hayes; godparents, Sharon and Harry Nicholson; besties, Brittany McDonald, Tayla Chivers, Tyson Hampton, and Lindsay Williams; her special cousin, Giselle (Gigi); and countless beloved cousins, extended family, friends, coworkers, students, and others whose lives were made brighter simply because Dajhai was part of them.

Dajhai will always be in our hearts— Dajhai will be Forever 26.